Proposed Education Budget Aired at East Haddam BOE

East Haddam Superintendent of Schools Dr. Ellen Solek presented a preliminary review of the 2011-2012 Superintendent's Proposed Education Budget at last week's Board of Education meeting. It was part of a budget workshop to discuss board members's concerns regarding line items in Solek's initial budgetary work.

Solek stressed that the handout was "not the formal superintendent's budget proposal," but rather "a preliminary review prior to the formal proposal presentation" to be given at the March meeting.

One of the goals of the budget, Solek said, is to "provide adequate funding to fully meet all mandates for student achievement ... as defined by No Child Left Behind federal legislation."

The event included discussion of adjustments for additional middle-school staff as full-time math and reading consultants. These consultants are considered crucial to meet the federal testing success rate requirements mandated by No Child Left Behind, Solek said.

Other concerns included language software upgrades at the high school, a new roof for the elementary school and the cost of a feasibility study to make additional upgrades to the elementary school. Proposed improvements include an update to the library to incorporate a media center to "stay competitive."

Questions raised by board members will be addressed by Solek ahead of the formal presentation next month.

The proposed budget shows an increase of less than 2 percent over last year's.

The meeting also included reports from the high and middle school representatives, a report on the elementary school well project, a follow-up on cafeteria crowding, individual committee reports and the First Selectman's report.

The board passed a vote to adjust the calendar for the remainder of the school year. To make up for seven snow days, the board approved a school year end date of June 22. The vote accounted for the possibility of two additional snow days, which would push the last day of school to June 24.

The next meeting is March 1 in the Nathan Hale-Ray High School cafeteria at 7 p.m. The education budget will be presented at that time.