New School Budget: Hanging on to What We Have

Meeting in a Minute

• The proposed school budget will increase 3.97 percent from last year.
• Schools will lose 6.5 certified teachers, including three elementary school teachers.
• Most programs will stay, but elementary school class size will increase.

As began presenting his 2011-2012 school budget to a large crowd of parents, school faculty and members last night in the lecture hall, a baby crying interrupted his train of thought. A good reminder to many, Hernandez said, as the baby was quieted, “That is what we do; children. That it is what we do for a living.”

Back to the task at hand, Hernandez presented a slide presentation of his proposed budget, which would rise 3.97 percent from last year. The main drivers of the budget increase will be salaries at $1,232,860, health benefits at $421,536 and tuition at $153,903. Other smaller items bring the total increase to $1,897,593.

Having labored over the budget, while also juggling the due to excessive snow days, Hernandez explained, “The intent of the budget was to strike a balance given the board’s priorities and where we are economically.”

The proposed budget eliminates 6.5 certified staff, which includes three teachers from the elementary schools. The reduction in teachers at the elementary level will raise class size “slightly” said Hernandez; the current size is 18.5 to 18.6. Hernandez also noted that special focus will be made to keep kindergarten and first grade class sizes as small as possible and under 20 students in as many rooms as possible. At , Hernandez noted that one kindergarten class was added this year but said that that could change depending on enrollment for the 2011-2012 incoming kindergarten class.

There will be a reduction of one elementary health teacher who will move from the current position back to a regular classroom. Hernandez notes that all teachers K-6 or K-8, are certified to teach health and he hopes health education will be integrated into the general classroom learning.

will lose one music teacher and the equivalent of a part-time physical education teacher raising these class sizes by two to three students. WIS will also be losing a language arts teacher through attrition, which means the teacher is leaving the profession.

Before delving further into the break down of proposed budget, Hernandez stated, “We are not cutting opportunities; we are not cutting programs, but we do, in these very hastier financial times, compress.”

Other cuts related to staffing but not directly related to individual positions will manifest in taking 30 hours of aid support; Hernandez noted that schools, specifically elementary schools, will have to allocate the reduced aid where it is needed most.

Also on the cut list is Branford’s historically well-received Special Friends Program, which is an elementary-level mentoring program. In attendance at the meeting was paraprofessional Amy Delfini who runs the program at. She has overseen the program for three years and notes it has been in budget cuts every year, but saved. Of the benefit of the program she said, “It helps kids who may have difficulty forming friendships.” She added, “There are plenty of kids in divorce and other situations who may just need a friend and attention both socially and academically.”

Historically, Hernandez noted the Education Cost-Sharing funding by the state has remained flat at $1,759,095 since the 2008-2009 school year. The total cost, as stated in the slide presentation, for Branford Public Schools continues to increase.

With town financial data trending an increased grand list, increased property tax collection and falling long term debt, Hernandez stated, “The town is fiscally at a very, very good position to fund public education and the Board of Education.” Concluding he added, “I would hope that they look at our request and see that we have not really looked at the request and said let’s add. We looked at very, very deliberately. I do believe that if we weather this year, we will be very, very well positioned for next year.”

When Hernandez first began with Branford Schools and met with school PTAs, he showed an immense interest in offering universal pre-K. Though it will not be included in this year’s budget, Hernandez noted it as a high priority in ensuing years. He also stated future goals to be the addition of world language programs at the elementary level and online learning or virtual classrooms for high school students.

Unable to add, but confident in the budget's ability to retain offerings, Hernandez summed up his presentation: “Sometimes moving forward is holding on to what we have during these tough economic times.”

The Board of Education held a budget workshop tonight at 7 p.m. at Walsh Intermediate School and will have another one at 7 p.m. on Feb. 9 and at 7:30 p.m. on Feb. 16 both at WIS.