Milford School Officials Flag Major Cost Increases Ahead Of New Budget

MILFORD, CT — Rising special education, energy and health insurance costs are among the major financial pressures Milford school officials expect to face as they begin developing the 2027-28 budget.

The Board of Education reviewed a draft list of budget priorities and assumptions during its Sept. 28 meeting. The document has not yet been adopted and will return to the board after members have an opportunity to provide feedback.

Salaries and benefits account for about 77% of the district's current budget. Recently settled collective bargaining agreements include increases ranging from 2.9% to 4.62%, while the state minimum wage is also scheduled to increase in January.

Health insurance costs are projected to rise between 5% and 10%.

One of the largest projected increases involves special education. District officials estimate those costs could rise 15% to 20%, citing cases in which students require out-of-district placements and specialized transportation because their needs exceed what the district can provide.

Utilities and energy costs are also projected to increase 15% to 20%, while contracted maintenance costs for items such as boilers, HVAC and fire suppression systems could rise 10% to 20%. Officials said Milford's aging school buildings are also expected to affect the budget despite the district's recently adopted long-range facilities plan.

Enrollment is currently projected to remain steady for the 2027-28 school year. The district also faces a contracted 4% increase in student transportation costs.

Earlier in the meeting, officials reviewed student assessment results. Sixth- and eighth-grade English language arts achievement each increased 7%, while fifth-grade math increased 6%.

About 41% of students met their growth targets in English language arts, while about 47% met their targets in math. Officials said improving student growth will remain a focus.

SAT math scores increased about 4% from spring 2025 to spring 2026, according to a correction made later in the presentation.

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