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Ansonia School District panel recommends budget transfers as $923,000 city cut looms
Summary
At a March 11 special meeting the Ansonia Board of Education's committee reviewed shared services and recommended budget transfers to cover overages, while staff warned a proposed $923,000 city funding cut could force staff reductions; the recommendation was forwarded to the full board by recorded vote.
The Ansonia Board of Education's special meeting on March 11 focused on line‑item transfers and how the district would absorb a proposed $923,000 reduction in city funding.
Finance Director Erich Marriott reviewed the budget, identifying overages and distinguishing locally funded lines from grant‑funded items. He told the committee the transfers would cover current overages and said the district should consider moving some recurring costs to different object codes next year to improve clarity.
Dr. Steven Adamowski, who called a quorum at the start of the meeting, pressed staff for clarity on substitute costs and why the budget showed an overage. Assistant Superintendent Steve Bergin explained the district's practice of calling building substitutes first and then using Kelly Services when internal substitutes are exhausted. Marriott said he believed the overage stemmed from a miscalculation.
The committee discussed several drivers of unanticipated costs, including special education students who enrolled mid‑year. Board members and staff noted the district relies in part on Excess Cost reimbursement and Food Services funds to help offset those expenses. Superintendent DiBacco also described the district's self‑funded health care reserve and ongoing collaboration with neighboring districts, saying that “the state program and the city's plan would not be cost effective” compared with current arrangements.
Superintendent DiBacco told the committee he had met with building administrators and the mayor and said the proposed $923,000 city cut "will have to be in bodies," signaling potential staff reductions if the funding is not restored. Board member Rich Bshara urged the board to press city leaders for funding and said he was not prepared to accept a zero increase. Board member Beth LaBerge questioned why the district would not pursue a referendum if the city places a referendum on the ballot, saying a referendum would offer voters separate consideration of the school budget.
Board members asked about technology spending; DiBacco said Chromebooks had been put in the Capital Budget but the committee did not know whether the capital budget had been approved by the city. Staff said they will continue to work with Tom Hamilton and others as state aid and legislative decisions develop; staff estimated May 7 as an approximate date for possible answers on state funding.
Finance Director Marriott said the subcommittee can approve the transfers and present them to the full board. The committee made a motion "to recommend the transfers as presented to the Board." The record shows the committee voted and recorded a total of three votes on the motion; the minutes indicate the recommendation will be forwarded to the full board for action.
No members of the public spoke during the public comment period. The committee adjourned at 6:30 p.m. The meeting minutes were signed by Cassie Venson, recording secretary, on March 18, 2026.
