Board Of Ed Starts

Trimming Budget

By Laurie Borst

On Tuesday evening, June 6, the Board of Education began the difficult process of reconciling its spending plans with the budget passed by Newtown voters. The board is looking for $898,926 in spending reductions.

Dr Evan Pitkoff, superintendent of schools, presented a list of cuts from proposed increases. After those cuts, another $136,074 needs to be removed. Dr Pitkoff then outlined other areas that will face possible removal from the budget.

The school board realized some savings through a health insurance rate reduction due to a lower number of claims. Conservation practices led to lowered oil usage resulting in some savings.

Included on this list was a request for two new sixth grade teachers for Reed along with related supplies and part-time specialist positions associated with an additional cluster. Postponing some building and site projects were included on list.

Existing items under consideration for cuts include a part-time gifted position, part-time art teacher at the middle school, a new bus, half-time personnel director, part-time physical education teacher at Middle Gate, a fourth grade position at Hawley, a second grade position at Sandy Hook, a first grade position at Head O’ Meadow, and a first grade position at Middle Gate.

A meeting has been scheduled for Wednesday, June 14, 7 pm, at Reed Intermediate School. This will allow the board members time to review Dr Pitkoff’s suggestions in detail.

In other business, the board approved the bids for construction of modular classrooms at the high school and completion of ductwork at Head O’ Meadow School. They also approved the new Wellness Policy that addresses nutrition and physical activities within Newtown schools.