Subcommittee review finds Newtown School District near full-year spending with small projected balance

Alison Plante, Chair of the Newtown Public Schools Board of Education CFF Subcommittee, opened the April 21 meeting and the committee reviewed the district's third-quarter Itemized Estimates Report through March 31, 2026.

Tanja Gouveia, staff member for the district, presented the report and said the district has expended approximately $62 million with an additional $23.6 million encumbered, bringing the combined total to roughly $86 million, or 93.76% of the total budget. With about $5.4 million in anticipated obligations, the projected year-end balance is $295,065.

Gouveia reported that certified salary accounts increased by $59,142, reflecting adjustments that include homebound tutors and substitute staffing. She said Special Education non-certified salaries decreased by nearly $30,000 after the hiring of three Behavior Technicians, while custodial overtime rose because of coverage for employees on family medical leave. Employee benefits were reported as unchanged for the period; staff will recheck FICA and Medicare calculations before fiscal year close.

On purchased services and other lines, Gouveia said contracted services increased by about $30,000 and transportation decreased by roughly $18,000 after a student changed schools. Communications had shown a deficit earlier following a Frontier rate increase in January but, according to Gouveia, that deficit has been removed. In supplies, natural gas is running a deficit due to high demand and rising prices, while electricity shows a surplus tied to virtual net metering credits.

The subcommittee asked no additional questions; the district will continue monthly monitoring as it approaches year-end.