Council Allocates School Funds

The Legislative Council Wednesday voted to allocate $62,000 to the Board of Education for the current budget year.

The unanticipated revenue came from a state Educational Cost Sharing (ECS) grant, which was approved in the 2001-2002 state budget in May, a few weeks after Newtown’s budget was passed by voters.

The additional funds will allow the school board to hire one additional teacher and support staff.

“We’re happy with the support and communication the council has extended to the board. This really goes back to the budget process. The council was willing to keep the dialogue going,” said Superintendent of Schools John Reed.

The $62,000 will be transferred from the town’s contingency fund into the school budget.

The council voted 9-1 in favor of the allocation, with Doug Brennan casting the lone “no” vote.