All
throughout Connecticut, local school systems are preparing their
2009-2010 school budgets. Superintendent
of Regional School District 17, Gary Mala attempted to create an economically
efficient budget proposal. One of his greatest obstacles this
year was to balance the ever-changing programmatic, economic, political,
and operational challenges associated with creating a responsible budget
while trying to ensure that Regional School District 17 continues to
focus on the educational needs of each child. Each year, Mr.
Mala gives considerable thought to how resources will be distributed
across the district. When necessary a re-appropriation of existing
resources can offer an effective strategy to handle requested changes
in programs and staff. The limited amount of grant resources
are also used to support some of what is included in the budget as
it has been proposed. By doing this, the Superintendent is able
to responsibly offset the costs of services, goods and products that
will be used in the next fiscal year. This is a process that
takes many long hours and much dedication.
The budget process begins in the fall. The Regional School District 17
budget process compiles information from five schools and five district departments. It
is the responsibility of each administrator and director to develop a budget
for their school or department. Service levels such as course offerings,
projected enrollments, staff allocations, and expenditures needed to support
programs and services must be defined. Administrators and directors then
submit their budget to the Superintendent. In January, the Superintendent,
two members of the Board of Education Finance Subcommittee, and the Director
of Fiscal Operations meet with administrators and directors. This committee
reviews the school/department budgets line by line and asks questions in order
to determine whether or not these requests meet the educational goals of the
district.
The next step includes an opportunity for the community to provide their input
to the Superintendent and the Board of Education on what is important to them.
For example, Does the community have a critical issue to be addressed in the
budget? Do they want smaller class sizes? Do they want a lower percentage
increase in the proposed budget? Will the community support any new positions? How
is the economy impacting community members? These and other issues raised
by community members are considered as the Superintendent prepares a proposed
budget for the Board of Education to consider.
After every budget line has been explained and the voices of the community have
been heard, the Superintendent will propose a budget that he believes will meet
the needs of our children. He will also take into consideration the impact
that this budget will have on all of the residents of Haddam and Killingworth.
On March 3rd, the Superintendent delivered his recommended budget for the 2010
fiscal year. A series of Budget Committee workshops are now taking place
to review the budget as proposed. A complete listing of meeting dates is
accessible at www.rsd17.org. The Board of Education uses these public workshops
to work with the Superintendent, the Director of Fiscal Operations, and each
administrator and director to review the proposed budget line by line. During
their deliberations, the Board will discuss budget recommendations and make possible
modifications.
In late April, The Board will then hold an Annual Hearing to discuss any possible
modifications made to the budget. Immediately following the Annual Hearing,
the Board will hold a Special Meeting of the Board of Education to adopt the
budget which ultimately is sent to referendum in both towns.
An Annual Meeting is scheduled during the first week of May. This meeting is
led by a moderator who will read the motion for approval of the budget. Following
the motion, there is an opportunity for discussion. After the discussion,
a motion is made to set the hours for the referendum which is held the following
day. The date of this year’s referendum is May 5th.
Respectfully,
Colleen Fitzpatrick
John O'Leary and Frank Cunningham
Reg 17 Board of Education
Communications Sub Committee