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Branford School Budget Approved; Includes Computers For State Tests

Diana Stricker Photo

The Board of Education (BOE) unanimously approved an operating budget Monday that is slightly less than the original request; and also approved a capital budget that includes money for safety upgrades and computers for the new state tests.

As budget deliberations began last night, BOE chair Michael Krause announced that the $52.7 million the superintendent requested last week could be reduced to about $52.66 million because of another teacher retirement. Click here to read about the superintendent’s budget presentation.

Krause said he would like to discuss allocations for supplies and textbooks to see if further budget cuts could be made.

I do feel confident the board can reduce the budget by $51,000” for textbooks, said Superintendent Hamlet Hernandez. 

But several board members asked if the savings from the retirement and textbooks could be used for district improvements rather than cutting the budget.

HUMAN CAPITAL

Hernandez said he could make an investment in human capital,” meaning he could hire new staff. He suggested a math tutor for Walsh Intermediate School, or another World Language teacher at the elementary level, or another teacher in the English Language Learners (ELL) program.

Board member Mario Sabatini (pictured left) made a motion to take half of those projected savings and direct the superintendent to apply it in the most effective manner he deems possible.”

Krause questioned that rationale. You have to have a plan going forward and we have to be able to fight for it,” he said. He suggested that the board should trim the budget and then make a plan for another year. It will be easier for use to sell a pro-active plan rather than re-active,” he said.

The school budget has to be approved by the Board of Finance and the Representative Town Meeting (RTM), which typically make cuts.

Sabatini rescinded his motion.

The board eventually approved an operating budget totaling $52,661,311, which reflects the savings from the additional retirement, but not a reduction for textbook purchases.

Board member John Prins said there was very little in the budget for the board to question. Prins said in his opinion, It’s not bold enough. It’s not risky enough,” but he added, I think it’s a supportable budget.”

Frank Twohill, who chairs the Representative Town Meeting (RTM) Education Committee, addressed the board. These issues for always tough as to how much to spend,” he said. I wanted to tell you all You’re doing a great job.’” 

CAPITAL EXPENSES

Hernandez presented a capital budget last night totaling $647,749, which will be used for building repairs and for new computers.

Hernandez said the budget includes money for security upgrades at Walsh Intermediate School. He also said he would like to discuss hiring an independent consultant to evaluate safety features in all the schools and formulate a 5‑year plan for upgrades.

It’d like to encourage that as soon as possible,” Sabatini (pictured left) said.

Hernandez said a consultant is not in the capital budget, but could come out of the operating budget.

The capital budget includes $89,000 for Chromebook computers for students at Walsh. Hernandez said the I‑Pads that were purchased for Walsh could then be used in the elementary schools. Students must use computers rather than paper and pencils when they begin taking the new state-mandated tests.

ROOF ISSUES — AGAIN

Hernandez also asked for $175,000 for a new roof at the former Branford Hills Elementary School, an item that has been requested and denied before. He said the roof is continuing to leak. The building is used for after-school programs and for teacher training sessions.

Prins asked how a request for a new roof would affect the proposed plan to expand and convert Branford Hills into a school that would replace Sliney Elementary School.

It sends a message,” that some decisions need to be made, Hernandez said. It starts to expedite the conversation.”

The BOE approved the proposal for Branford Hills School last spring and also plans for a complete renovation of Walsh Intermediate School. However, those plans are on hold while the Board of Finance looks at costs, and the RTM deliberates establishing a Public Building Commission to oversee such projects.

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