Milford School Board Approves $382K In Budget Cuts

MILFORD, CT — The Milford Board of Education made reductions totaling $382,316 to its budget after cuts were made by both the Boards of Finance and Aldermen this spring.

According to the school board's meeting minutes here's an overview of the reductions:

2017-18 MILFORD BOARD OF EDUCATION BUDGET DISCUSSION

Superintendent of Schools Elizabeth Feser recapped the 2017-18 budget process from the Board approving Administration’s recommendation of $92,336,582. In March, the Board of Finance (BOF) made its recommendation of $92,296,582, reducing the Board of Education’s budget request by $40,000.

To offset that reduction, Administration will eliminate the proposed additional or fifth school resource officer position, as the city has not budgeted for its portion of the position. In May, the Aldermen made an additional $342,316 reduction to the budget bringing the total approved amount to $91,954,266M. This results in a .374% increase over the 2016-17 budget.

Dr. Feser explained the need to make some staffing adjustments from what was originally presented in January. The budget originally submitted showed a reduction of 14.4 teaching positions, 10 regular education and 4.4 special education. The Administration has learned of the need for an additional special education teacher, so is recommending a change in the reduction of special education teachers to 3.4. An additional regular education teacher will be reduced bringing the reduction in regular education teachers to 11, leaving the total at 14.4.

As part of the Board of Aldermen reduction administration is recommending the reduction of one an additional FTE due to declining enrollment. This FTE will be made up of a combination of Art/Music/PE/Media, a small percent of each. This will bring the total teacher reduction to 12 full time regular education teachers and 3.4 special education teachers.

Board discussion ensued. Following the discussion, the Board requested to be provided with the final number of actual teacher layoffs. The hope is that attrition and/or resignations will help offset layoffs. Class size guidelines will remain a priority.

Dr. Feser and Mr. Richetelli reviewed the additional accounts and the respective funds that they recommend offset the reduction of $382,316 as approved by the Boards of Finance and Aldermen. The reductions are in areas that should not greatly impact student learning.

Those reductions are, Salaries Reduction of $160,000 (Reduction of one FTE – Teacher Art/Music/PE/Media and Substitute Teachers); Contracted Services $80,000 (School Resource Officer and Copier Lease); Facilities $63,000 (Buildings and Grounds); Educational Supplies & Equipment $64,951 (Equipment/Furniture and Computers) and Other Educational Support $14,365 (Professional Development).

Board discussion ensued.

Ms. Glennon asked if any members of the public wished to speak before the budget vote. Being none, Ms. Glennon asked for a motion to approve the budget.