Oxford School Budget Increase Draws Some Concerns: Report

OXFORD, CT — The Oxford Board of Education is seeking a $29.6 million budget for fiscal 2017-18, which increases spending by 3 percent, the Republican-American reports.

But some finance officials aren't pleased with the increase and question why spending is on the rise when enrollment continues to decline, the Rep-Am reports.

School officials responded by saying more than 85 percent of the budget is on fixed items such as salaries, benefits and mandated expenses and that there is little room to cut. Officials also said that while enrollment may continue to decrease it's not all at the same level and doesn't lead to significant staff reductions.

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And of course Gov. Malloy has proposed a significant reduction in state aid to Oxford schools, but that still needs to be approved by the Legislature.

Read the full Rep-Am story here.