The Board of Education is scheduled to conduct a public hearing on its 2015-16 operating budget on Tuesday, February 3, and its decision on the budget is expected during a meeting on Thursday, February 5.

Superintendent of Schools Joseph V. Erardi, Jr, said this Wednesday, January 28, that he hopes community members are willing to be informed voters.

“The opportunity for the community to be an informed voter really has begun, but really commences on Tuesday, when the electorate will have the opportunity to voice opinions and ask questions,” said Dr Erardi.

The superintendent also said he plans to share a report with the school board on Tuesday that will list all of the expected meetings between now and the referendum in April that will include discussion on the budget. In all, Dr Erardi said there are about 35 meetings that will be held by the Board of Education, the Board of Finance, or the Legislative Council. 

The superintendent first presented his proposed his proposed budget to the school board on January 6, as $72,399,186, a 1.48 percent increase over the current $71,345,304 budget.

Since then the school board has held multiple meetings to hear from district leadership regarding the different parts of the budget.

Board of Education Chair Keith Alexander said this Tuesday, January 27, that Dr Erardi’s proposed budget was, “exactly what I was hoping for in Dr Erardi’s budget. He has looked at exactly what we need to improve Newtown’s schools.”

While the proposed budget includes reductions from the current year, Mr Alexander also noted Dr Erardi made those reductions without giving up the “idea of new services.” The budget includes some new initiatives, Mr Alexander said, while being fiscally responsible.

Mr Alexander explained the primary reductions from the current spending plan are staff positions, and the removals are based on schedule restructuring and declining enrollment.

“I think this is a really responsible budget,” said Mr Alexander.

He also said that the public is an important part of the budget process. When people are engaged and participate in public meetings, Mr Alexander said members of those boards can better understand what the community wants.

“…Then I think those boards are more able to support what is put in front of them,” said Mr Alexander.

Dr Erardi said if people have any questions about programs or enhancing programs, he can be reached at his office by phone, 203-426-7621.

Mr Alexander said more newsletters will be released by the school board throughout the budget process. So far two budget newsletters have been released by the board, one on December 30, and one on January 20 and the proposed Dr Erardi’s budget presentation from January 6. Both are available off of the district’s website. 2015-16 superintendent’s budget is also available on the district’s website.

Dr Erardi also said multiple media will be used to share information about the budget throughout the process, including video.

The Board of Education will also share information through its Twitter account, through district email, through the district's office, and through the school board's budget page on its website, according to Mr Alexander.

The Tuesday, February 3, Board of Education meeting, which is the planned public hearing, is set for 7:30 pm at Newtown Municipal Center. The Thursday, February 5, meeting is also set for 7:30 pm, at Newtown Municipal Center.