Bethel School Board To Propose $48.6 Million Budget For 2020-21

BETHEL, CT — The Board of Education's proposed $48.6 million budget will be presented to the boards of selectmen and finance on Wednesday night.

Overall, the proposed spending plan represents a 4.69 percent hike over the 2019-20 budget.

In an email to parents, Superintendent Christine Carver pointed to increased enrollment, the social well-being of the students, and new intervention programs in mathematics as the primary drivers of the increase. A social emotional learning coach and three math interventionists were added to the proposed 2019-20 staff rolls.

Salaries and benefits go up 3.71 percent and 8.79 percent, respectively, in the proposed budget. Combined these budget lines make up $41.5 million of the proposed spending plan.

There is no public input at the Wednesday night meeting, but the school board has encouraged parents to attend. After their review, the boards of finance and selectmen will decide to move the proposed budget to a public hearing as presented, make cuts or increase the budget.

The meeting is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. in Meeting Room A of the municipal center.