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Eastford Board of Education approves $4.93 million budget, school calendar and grant submission
Summary
At its Feb. 13 meeting the Eastford Board of Education unanimously approved a $4,932,677 budget for 2025–26 (a 6.99% increase), approved the 2025–26 school calendar, accepted revisions to the capital improvement plan and authorized submission of a McKinney‑Vento Homeless Assistance grant.
Eastford Board of Education Chair Stephen Bowen called the regular meeting to order at 6:02 PM on Feb. 13, 2025 at Eastford Elementary School and the board moved through routine business before approving several key items affecting next year’s school operations.
The board voted unanimously to accept the 2025–26 budget of $4,932,677 — a 6.99% increase — and to forward the proposed budget to the Board of Selectmen. Board member Michael Bilica, who moved the budget motion, said, “To accept the 2025‑2026 budget of $4,932,677, which represents a 6.99% increase.” The motion was seconded by Lauren Barlow and passed unanimously.
The action sends the district’s budget to the Board of Selectmen for the next steps in the municipal budget process. The board did not record individual roll-call votes by name in the minutes; the meeting minutes note the motions passed unanimously.
Also during new business the board unanimously approved the 2025–26 school calendar on a motion by Robert Ellsworth, seconded by Michael Bilica, and accepted revisions to the Capital Improvement Plan as recommended by the Facilities Committee on a motion by Ellsworth, seconded by Adam Minor. The board authorized the submission of the McKinney‑Vento Homeless Assistance grant on a motion by Michael Bilica, seconded by Robert Ellsworth; that motion also passed unanimously.
Superintendent Dr. Donna Leake provided routine reports and updates. She singled out custodian Lory Kneeland in a “Highlight of the Month” for his commitment and flexibility, and reviewed several operational items: the elevator at district facilities remains inoperable; contractor EMCOR recently replaced a burner blower; Paul Torcellini continues to monitor the district’s photovoltaic (PV) system; and staff are reviewing plans to upgrade or replace the building fire panel. Leake also said staff are monitoring the current 2024–25 budget, finishing closeout work on the Roof/PV project, and expecting additional reimbursement under the HVAC grant.
Principal Carole McCombe delivered the principal’s report, covering field-trip plans (including virtual trips), the readiness program and council updates, student progress data, high school information and upcoming events. Director of Pupil Services Charles Kernan provided the February pupil services report reflecting changes since December.
On unfinished business Dr. Leake noted she has invited Woodstock Academy to present at the board’s March 13 meeting to continue the high‑school discussion. The Scholarship Steering Committee reported it had received two applications for the Ethel Cushing Gardner Music Scholarship and will review them in March.
The board received January disbursement and monthly financial summary reports during the meeting; no budget transfers were reported. With no citizen participation recorded, a motion by Adam Minor, seconded by Robert Ellsworth, to adjourn the meeting at 6:20 PM passed unanimously. Clerk Kymberli A. Gaylor signed the minutes.
What’s next: Woodstock Academy is scheduled to present to the board on March 13; the adopted budget will proceed to the Board of Selectmen as part of the municipal approval process.
