Old Saybrook superintendent proposes 3.76% budget increase driven by health-insurance and special-education needs

The Old Saybrook superintendent presented a proposed fiscal 2025 budget that would raise spending by 3.76%, roughly a $1.1 million increase, and outlined the primary cost drivers and next steps in the budget process.

"We started with a sustained services budget of about 5.2%...ultimately what got in front of you today for our proposal is 3.76% or about a $1.1 million increase," the superintendent said, framing the request as consistent with recent practice and aligned with the district strategic plan.

Finance staff told the board that salaries and benefits remain the bulk of expenses in the service-heavy district and identified a projected health-insurance premium increase of about 15% as a major contributor to the requested increase. The finance presenter said that increase represents roughly a half-million-dollar driver in the budget and that employer pension contributions and tuition obligations for outplaced students also affect the bottom line.

Administrators said the proposed budget would retain current staff levels: the superintendent recommended maintaining 139.05 certified full-time-equivalent positions and asserted there are no planned reductions in staff or programming. The presentation also noted declining outplacement tuition costs because more special-education students are being served in-district, offsetting some pressures.

Capital and facilities needs were part of the presentation. Officials described proposed replacements and repairs, including a recommended fire-panel replacement at Goodwin School (administration said the Fire Marshal recommended replacement but had not required immediate action), roofing/air-conditioning evaluations, library carpeting, and athletic-field equipment.

Board members asked for details about items trimmed from administrator requests and for a 'wish list' of priorities that might be considered in later budget iterations. Administrators said a reductions spreadsheet is available in the budget book and offered to convene a list of potential priorities for the board to consider. They also reminded the board of statutory timelines for negotiations: by statute bargaining processes for teachers must begin 240 days from budget submission.

The board did not vote on the budget at the meeting; the superintendent said the proposal will be taken up in subsequent meetings and that staff will provide follow-up materials.