Milford Board Of Finance Cuts Schools' Budget Request

MILFORD, CT — The Board of Finance narrowly approved a reduced school budget at its March 19 meeting.

The Board of Education had requested a $115 million budget for Fiscal Year 2025-26, representing a 4.87% increase. After several votes on various proposals, the Board of Finance approved a slimmer 3.7% increase, or $114 million.

The Board of Finance meeting opened with member Lauren Ranges saying she was in support of fully funding the school's district's requested budget.

"We don't know what the world of education will look like in the next six months," she said.

Other members also mentioned potential cuts to federal funding, as President Donald Trump's administration is moving forward with plans to dismantle the Department of Education.

See related: Trump To Sign Order Closing Dept. Of Education: See CT Impacts

Ranges said fully funding the school's budget would create stability for students and families while avoiding larger class sizes.

Her motion to approve the proposed budget failed 3 to 2.

Finance board member Jeffrey Matchett wanted a 3.5% increase for schools, saying it was a "fair and balanced approach for Milford citizens" that addresses "economic realities." Anything over 4% he considered a heavy ask for residents.

However, a motion for a 3.5% increase also failed 3 to 2.

Member Raymond Arnold said that most municipal department's budgets are at a 3% increase and that those departments are facing the same increasing costs as the Board of Education.

"There are fiscal constraints that as a board we have to pay attention to," he said.

Ultimately, Arnold, Matchett, and Scott Moulton voted in favor of a 3.7% increase, leaving the budget at $114 million. Ranges and Chair Brian Lema opposed the measure.

Superintendent of Schools Dr. Anna Cutaia said that she understands the financial challenges the community faces and that "the school district is not immune to those challenges."

Cutaia said the Board of Education budget already addressed those challenges.

"The nearly $1.3 million reduction made to our request by the (Board of Finance) is deep, and it will hurt improvements we are experiencing," she said. "The increase we requested could be categorized primarily as a move forward budget. It responded to increases outside our control. Any reductions to the request, and especially the large one made last night, will definitely impact staff and students."

The Board of Finance also unanimously approved a total general fund budget of $265 million. The mill rate was set at 29.58, a .44 increase over last year, or 1.5%.

The Board of Aldermen will review the budget next.