North Branford board approves $1.47 million in 2026–27 budget reductions after fee debate

The North Branford Board of Education voted June 30 to approve a package of budget reductions totaling $1,468,418 for the 2026–27 fiscal year.

Martha Law, director of personnel and business, presented the reductions and told the board the $35,511,724 town-approved figure required trimming $1,468,418 from the district’s proposed budget to balance it. "In order to do that, we need to reduce 1,468,418 from our proposed budget," she said. The board then debated several line items that had been discussed in committee and operations meetings.

A contentious portion of the discussion focused on an increase to the student activity or participation fee. One board member said the increase would "really affect a lot of people" in the district and urged the board to consider alternatives; supporters noted that many surrounding districts charge higher fees and that the district has a process to waive or reduce fees for families eligible for free or reduced-price meals. Board members said they had largely been able to collect the invoiced fees in past years and emphasized flexibility for families in need.

A motion to approve the submitted list of reductions was made and seconded (Judy Bannon recorded as second). The motion passed; the meeting record notes one opposed vote but individual votes were not identified in the transcript.

Board members said any cut or increase will affect programs or people and asked administrators to continue seeking alternatives, including restoring services if additional outside revenue or town funding becomes available. The board’s next regular meeting is scheduled for Aug. 20, 2026.

The board did not record individual yes/no votes in the public transcript beyond noting a single opposed vote.