3.57 Percent Budget Increase Sought By Milford's Schools Chief

MILFORD, CT — For the last several years, the Milford Board of Education budget has increased nominally, usually by less than 1.5 percent. But Superintendent of Schools Anna Cutaia is seeking a $98.47 million spending plan for fiscal 2020-21, which if approved would increase spending by 3.57 percent or $3.39 million, over this year's current budget plan.

"This budget advocates for the educational needs of our students, and continues to move our school district forward with essential program improvements yet is mindful of economic conditions facing our community," Cutaia said.

The budget as proposed by Cutaia includes some major program improvements and enhancements. Overall, the budget includes a net reduction of 7 full time positions but salary accounts did increase overall due to contractual obligations and the inclusion of some new positions.

Before the school budget proposal can be finalized it needs to be approved by the boards of education, finance and aldermen. The budget won't be finalized until the middle or end of May 2020. The new school year starts on July 1, 2020. Mayor Ben Blake will unveil the city's proposed budget in early February.

What Is Driving the Budget Increase?

Health insurance costs for retirees is increasing by 11.2 percent, and this is a common theme across Connecticut and not just in Milford, officials said. But the $347,000 increase represents 10 percent of the total proposed budget increase, Cutaia said.

Other factors driving the budget increase include the impacts of raising the minimum wage for certain positions and an increase from $90 to $95 per day for classroom substitutes.

Proposed Academic Improvements, World Language, Class Size, Science And Fun Learning

Class size for grades 3-5 is changed from a maximum of 25 pupils to 23 students under Cutaia's proposal. Kindergarten-grade 2 remains the same at a class size of up to 20 students. This change at the grade 3-5 level will mean adding one additional teacher, officials said.

World Language instruction will be expanded to include PreK and 2nd grade, making the elementary program now PreK through 2nd grades. French will also be available at all three middle schools.

Science is also being targeted for major curriculum upgrades. "We will add science labs to each of our eight elementary schools. The elementary science labs will be staffed with science teachers and will feature lab furniture and equipment and technology at the high school level," Cutaia said.

The science upgrades will result in adding eight new teachers and purchasing furniture and equipment.

Cutaia said she wants to bring more fun back to education, especially at the prekindergarten and kindergarten level. She stressed the focus will always be on reading, writing and math, but there will also be an added layer of learning through playing for four and five year olds.

"Plans include revisiting learning centers to better align with student interests, as well as the revised curriculum on promoting developmentally appropriate learning experiences that supports the development of executive function through purposeful play," Cutaia said.

Technology and Music Upgrades

Technology upgrades at the elementary level include coding robots, green screens, Chromebook classroom sets for grade 2, and interactive touch devices for grades Kindergarten and grade 1.

At the middle school level upgrades include video production equipment at East Shore Middle School. And at the high school level upgrades include cameras and camcorders for journalism, art and business classes, STEM robotics kits, and automotive diagnostic scanners.

In the area of music, upgrades include plans to expand and replace music instruments, band uniforms and seating furniture.

School libraries will remain partially open during the summer at three elementary schools in 2020 — Meadowside, JFK and Pumpkin Delight.

Other improvements include the renovation of the school library and the learning center at Foran High School. A full renovation of the fitness rooms at Foran and East Shore is planned along with the replacement of cardio equipment at East Shore. The climbing wall at Live Oaks would be replaced at Live Oaks next year too.

Budget Savings

The overall reduction of 7 plus full time positions will save taxpayers $240,173. Other savings include: $50,000 for worker's compensation, $46,000 for contracted services, $89,600 for utilities, $32,000 in gasoline, and $35,000 in various other accounts. The total savings are around $500,000, Cutaia said.

Enrollment Numbers

There are currently 5,586 students enrolled in Milford's public schools and that is expected to very slightly decline to 5,502 pupils next year, Cutaia said.