Bethel School Budget Workshops Continue Through Feb. 8

BETHEL, CT — The school district will be holding 2022-23 budget workshops Tuesday and Thursday evenings through Feb. 8.

Schools superintendent Christine Carver is proposing a 3.95 percent increase over the current spending plan.

The additional $1.9 million is necessary to meet demands of increased enrollment, pandemic concerns, growing special education needs, and the number of students exhibiting significant issues with mental health, Carver highlighted in her presentation to the Board of Education. Contractual agreements will also result in 2-3 percent increases in the salaries for administrators, teachers, paraeducators and food service workers. Overall, salary accounts increased $1,039,830, or just over 3 percent in the proposed budget.

"Development of the 2022-2023 budget reflects our commitment to that purpose of continuing to provide excellence and preparing our students for the global workforce," Carver wrote.

Following the workshop series, the Board of Education will make its final recommendation to the Board of Selectman and Board of Finance.

All Board of Education meetings/workshops are held at the Clifford J. Hurgin Municipal Center, 1 School Street, Board of Education Conference Room E, at 7:00 p.m. Masks are required and social distancing protocols must be followed.