As a nation we are facing some very difficult economic times. Connecticut is anticipating a six billion dollar deficit over the next two years. Lay-offs are causing unemployment to climb to levels not seen in decades. Many economists believe we are only seeing the beginning of this economic downturn and that it might take two to three years to recover. This is obviously having a negative impact on local budgets and I thought it would be prudent to use this month’s column to share some of the ways that our school budget is being impacted.

The state of Connecticut subsidizes local school systems in the form of an Educational Cost Sharing grant (ECS). In Willington the grant covers approximately one-half of our education budget. The ECS grant is a significant portion of the state budget and as the state tries to compensate for decreased revenues, it is likely that the ECS grant will be reduced. How much it will be reduced is only speculation at this point and whether the incoming Obama administration will include money to states for education as part of the stimulus package is also unknown at this time.

This article is being written almost a month before publication and the economic landscape is bound to shift even more during the coming month. In fact, since I started to write there is a new report stating that the state deficit could be as high as eight billion to ten billion dollars over the next two years.

In order to meet all of the contractual obligations each year our budget increases by approximately 5%. Contractual obligations include salaries, benefits, transportation, and leases. There is also an annual increase in the cost of supplies, fuel, heating oil, and electricity. Therefore, in order to maintain all of the programs that we had last year we would need to increase the budget by at least 5%. There are other factors to also take into consideration such as the region 19 budget. Although the number of students at E.O Smith is decreasing, Willington students represent a larger percentage of the total student body than last year. This causes a twofold problem in that the per pupil cost will increase and we have an increased number of students. I anticipate that the cost of this year’s increase in Region 19’s budget to Willington will be approximately $400,000.00.

The Board of Finance anticipates that the ECS grant may be cut by 10-12% and is requesting that the Board of Education propose a budget that has no increase over last year’s budget. As already stated this will mean a cut of approximately 5% to keep the budget the same as last year. The 5% cut represents approximately $380,000.00. Since 85% of the school budget is staff and benefits it is obvious that staff will have to be reduced.

I am working diligently to make the necessary reductions and at the same time to maintain the programs currently offered to our students. This will not be an easy task and will likely result in some increase in class size and the scope of some programs being reduced. I encourage you to support our budget as presented to the Board of Finance. I also encourage you to become involved by attending Board of Education and Board of Finance meetings and providing input.

Although we may be experiencing difficult economic times, I assure you that I will continue to be proactive, creative and optimistic in representing the best interests of Willington’s children.

Thank you for your continued support and cooperation.