Superintendent Presents 5.98 Percent Budget Increase

Editor's Note: The budget workshop on January 18 begins at 7 p.m., not 7:30 p.m. The incorrect time is also listed on the Board of Education website.

Superintendent William Guzman presented his 2012-2013 proposed school budget to the Board of Education at Wednesday night's meeting, asking for a 5.98 percent increase, equal to $2,073,830.

Board of Education Chairperson Andy Powell emphasized that the proposed budget will generally maintain the current level of educational services in Tolland as opposed to expanding the educational program.

"When we look at a 5.98 percent increase, this is to keep the status quo. We are at low cost, high delivery." Powell said. 

Guzman's presentation highlighted several elements of the budget:

• A reduction of to $125 with a $500 cap for families. The budget also includes funding for junior varsity and sports.
• The 2012-2013 budget will support five staff positions that were previously funded through the Education Jobs Fund grant, which Guzman said will end this year.
• The positions include two full-time world language teachers at the middle school, and a social worker and English and math teachers at the high school level.
• $60,000 set aside to "lease purchase" 300 computers for the district. Guzman noted that Tolland has "fallen short" on providing technology, adding that the high school's newest computers are six years old. 
• $469,711 designated for a projected 13.46 percent increase in health insurance costs. However, the board heard a presentation from Milliman Insurance's Steve May who said that those projections have already decreased.

The budget's largest increase stemmed from personnel salary and benefits, which amounted to 2.35 percent, or $815,052. The second highest increase came in health insurance costs with a projected 1.40 percent increase, coming to $469,711. However, May added that Milliman Insurance is examining regionalized or self-insured plans that could possibly save the town money.

Guzman emphasized that Tolland has been recognized for its efficient school system for the second year in a row, earning an award from the Yankee Institute for being the second most efficient system in the state. Guzman said that Tolland spent $11,057 per student in 2008-2009. The state average was $13,607.

Guzman's presentation also focused on Tolland's generally strong standardized test performance and high graduation rate.

Although the school board still needs to approve the superintendent's budget, Powell said that the board is unlikely to significantly alter the proposed 5.98 percent increase. He asked the attendees to participate in budget workshops and to speak up for the budget at town council meetings.

Friends of Tolland Schools Chairperson Sam Adlerstein echoed a common resolve to get voters out for the upcoming referendum.

"We want to go out and talk to the folks in this community and really make the case for the budget we think is necessary," he said.

Last year's budget went to . According to meeting handouts, the superintendent originally suggested a 6.53 percent increase. The town voted for a 2.53 percent increase.

Guzman said that the budget presentation would be posted on the Tolland schools website in the near future. 

The first budget workshop will take place on Wednesday, January 18 at 7:30 p.m. at Tolland High School, according to the BOE calendar.