Proposed Budget Keeps Stratford Schools Open

A school budget that would prevent the closure of any schools next year was presented by Superintendent Irene Cornish to the Board of Education (BOE) Monday night.

The draft of "anticipated expeditures" for the 2012-13 school year is an increase of .41 percent from this fiscal year's budget, Cornish said. The percentage equates to a $378,347 increase for a total of $93,780,529.

"This budget allows us to maintain status quo," she said. "I hope the Town Council will recognize this is a very serious effort on our part."

The proposed budget still needs to be fleshed out by a couple school board subcommittees before the BOE sends it to the Council, but as it stands it would be the lowest request in eight and a half years, Cornish said.

The superintendent said savings would be accomplished through the reduction of one elementary school teacher; a one-year freeze on funding for library books ($100,000 in savings); and consolidating transportation costs for Nichols and Lordship elementary schools by changing the start time of Lordship to match Nichols. ($200,000 in savings).

In return, no schools would have to close next year; a guidance counselor would be hired, as well as a nurse's aid at Second Hill Lane Elementary School; and there would be no change to athletic programs, Cornish said.

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