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Region 15 schools drive majority of Middlebury’s proposed FY 2026–27 spending
Summary
Officials said Region 15 represents roughly 69% of Middlebury’s proposed FY 2026–27 expenditures; residents questioned per-student costs and state reimbursement levels, with officials advocating for higher Educational Cost Sharing (ECS) funding from Connecticut.
Officials and presenters repeatedly stressed that the Region 15 school budget dominates the town’s spending picture: "Region 15 is 69% of the Expenditures side," CFO Seth Bernstein said. Bernstein said Region 15’s proposed FY 26–27 budget is about $31.7 million, a year-over-year increase of around $1.7 million.
Residents pressed town officials about the per-student cost and state reimbursement. Paul Anderson asked whether the cost per student is $25,000 with an $11,000 reimbursement; Bernstein replied he believes the actual cost is closer to $35,000 and said the Region's reported $25,000 figure is net of the approximately $11,000 state reimbursement. First Selectwoman Jennifer Mahr said she is advocating in Hartford for better state support, including changes to the Educational Cost Sharing grant formula.
