Stamford board approves 2025–26 operating and grants reallocations after debate over schedule and staffing

The Stamford Board of Education on May 20 approved a reallocation of the district’s 2025–26 operating budget totaling $347,026,866 and a grants budget of $52,152,658, after a special meeting in which members debated a proposed high‑school scheduling change and cuts to central‑office staff.

Board President called the meeting to order at 6:32 p.m. and read the operating resolution. Mr. Feeley, the district chief financial officer, told members there had been an error on the BoardDocs posting and confirmed the correct operating total in the resolution: "$347,026,866 and 2,095.1 positions," he said, noting the posted figures had been slightly off.

The vote on the operating reallocation followed extended discussion. Superintendent Dr. Lucero described the reallocation proposal and thanked board committees and representatives for the limited cuts in the plan. "We're happy to answer any questions that you have tonight," Dr. Lucero said, and expressed appreciation for the board’s consideration of dollars that will support the district’s mission.

Several board members said they could not support the reallocation. "I will be voting no, for three specific reasons," said Ms. Hammond, who argued the proposal had been developed in a "one‑sided fashion" and said the board should not pit regular high‑school students against special‑education students. She urged a phased alternative, proposing a three‑year phase‑in for a 7‑block A/B schedule and cuts of "at least six to seven individuals from central office," and she said central‑office staffing (which she put at 27 administrators costing about $6–7 million) was not producing academic gains. "Dr. Lucero's contract should not be renewed by June 30," she added.

"I cannot, in good conscience, support" the reallocation, said Mr. Tanga, another board member, citing high spending on programs and a lack of consensus from students and teachers about schedule changes.

Board members were reminded that the purpose of the special meeting was a reallocation of available dollars (decided earlier by the board of finance and the board of representatives) rather than a full adoption of a final budget. One member noted that a board member could propose an amendment at the meeting but that producing a joint, detailed alternative would require additional time with staff.

After discussion the board held a hand vote on Resolution 05‑20‑25:43 for the operating reallocation; the chair counted raised hands and announced the motion passed 6–3. The chair then read Resolution 05‑20‑25:44 approving the 2025–26 grants budget of $52,152,658 and 306.9 positions. The motion was seconded, there were no questions, the chair counted seven hands in favor and announced passage.

The meeting concluded with the chair moving to adjourn and noting the next committee meeting on the calendar.

What the votes mean: approval of the reallocation allows district staff to implement the attached reallocation memo as presented tonight; it does not represent a new tax levy or a separate appropriation beyond funds already allocated by the board of finance and board of representatives.

The board did not take any formal action on Dr. Lucero’s contract during this meeting.