North Branford Board approves $1.47 million in 2026–27 budget cuts after debate over activity fee

The North Branford Board of Education voted June 30 to approve $1,468,418 in budget reductions for the 2026–27 school year, after trustees debated an increase to the student activity fee and ongoing uncertainty about excess‑cost reimbursements from the town.

Superintendent Sweet Ford told trustees that May expenditures were atypically high because the district ran three payrolls and that the district’s final numbers hinge on so‑called excess‑cost funds. “I anticipate that we will be able to make some sort of contribution to our Fund 25 non‑lapsing account,” he said, but added the town had not yet moved the excess‑cost receipts into the district account despite written requests to the acting town manager and follow‑up emails. He said finance staff had credited the funds internally but that a town reversal would change the general‑fund closeout.

Board members discussed how to reach the town‑mandated target: a circulated list showed specific line‑item reductions that together deliver the $1,468,418 cut. A motion to approve the reductions was made and seconded; after discussion the board adopted the list by voice vote. The vote outcome was recorded as passing with one member opposed and no abstentions.

Trustees spent substantial time on one high‑visibility item: an increase to the student activity fee. Some members expressed concern the fee could fall hardest on families in a small district and asked about collection and hardship processes. A finance staff member said collection rates have been strong and a waiver/assistance process exists: “We collected pretty much everything that we invoiced,” the staff member said. Other trustees noted neighboring districts have higher participation fees and that difficult trade‑offs were driving the decision: either the fee rises, or staff or programs are reduced.

The board also reviewed a transfer of $109,007.41 that the superintendent said would be moved via journal entry from two general‑fund lines into student transportation to reduce reliance on Fund 25; the entry is internal (not an encumbrance) but affects final fund balances. Finance staff and trustees emphasized that the district’s final fiscal position depends on whether the town formally transfers excess‑cost reimbursements.

Votes at a glance • Consent agenda — approved (voice vote). • Agenda amendment to add budget reductions discussion — approved (voice vote). • Approval of 2026–27 budget reductions totaling $1,468,418 — approved (voice vote; one opposed, no abstentions recorded). • Motion to adjourn to executive session under Connecticut General Statutes (personnel, superintendent evaluation/contract, negotiations) — approved. • Amendment to include salary discussion for Martha Olson (director of personnel and business) and Tom Longsdale (director of technology) — approved.

What’s next The superintendent and finance staff will finalize year‑end accounting after the town’s response on excess costs; trustees said additional details will be provided as audit work continues and as staff collect final preschool tuition figures and other clarifications.