Easton superintendent proposes $22.08 million budget, schedules Feb. 10 workshop

Superintendent Dr. McKinnon presented the Easton Public Schools’ proposed SY 2026–2027 budget of $22,076,190 at the Board of Education meeting on Jan. 13, 2026 at Helen Keller Middle School. The plan represents a $1,245,403 increase from the prior year, a 5.98% rise, and was posted online for public review and questions.

The proposal’s primary cost drivers, Dr. McKinnon said, are faculty and staff salaries, transportation, utilities and healthcare. Board members asked initial questions about spending priorities and enrollment assumptions; the board scheduled a Budget Workshop on Feb. 10, 2026 to continue refining the plan.

During public comment, resident Marissa Strong urged the board to address special-education needs and boost paraprofessional staffing to support students with disabilities. Resident Lauren Sayad asked the board to consider establishing a gifted program at Samuel Staples Elementary School. First Selectman Dan Lent expressed support for the district and noted upcoming maintenance and capital funding needs the town will face.

Board members echoed the need for fiscal attention as budgeting season begins. Member Falzone specifically encouraged community members to attend upcoming Board of Finance meetings as discussions on school funding and facilities maintenance continue.

The board took two routine votes during the Jan. 13 meeting: it approved minutes from Dec. 9, 2025 and Dec. 18, 2025 by a 6–0 vote, and later approved a motion to adjourn (moved Parker; second Young) by a 6–0 vote. No vote was taken on the budget itself; the administration will return to the board at the Feb. 10 budget workshop with further detail and answers to board questions.

The full budget proposal and supporting documents are available at https://sites.google.com/er9.org/easton-budget/home. The board’s next scheduled Budget Workshop is Feb. 10, 2026.