Special Meeting of Committee on Administration, Finance and Law, May 8, 2025: School Budget Presentation and Resolutions
Special Meeting of Committee on Administration, Finance and Law and Public Services, May 8, 2025
This special meeting of the Common Council Committee on Administration, Finance and Law and Public Services convened on May 8, 2025, at 6:00 PM in Council Chambers, City Hall, New Britain, Connecticut. The primary focus was the presentation of the New Britain Public Schools budget for Fiscal Year 2025-2026, including a level-services request with additional special education staffing, and the subsequent referral of three budget resolutions to the full Council with neutral recommendations.
Public Comments & Testimony
- Laura Bolke (85 Settlers Knoll, Newington; born and raised in New Britain, 612 Curriculum Coordinator) expressed concern about underfunding of the school district under the mayor's budget proposal, particularly in special education and student transportation. She argued that a tax decrease would be small for families but would significantly impact the school district, calling the expectation of a tax cut while costs rise "counterintuitive."
- Heather Nickel (74 Breezy Corners Road, Portland; Principal of Holmes Elementary School, 30 years with the district) stated that the district faces dramatic cuts and that this year feels different. She asked the council to seriously consider the school district's budget, emphasizing that the request is for survival.
Discussion Items
School Budget Presentation (Item 36785-1)
Dr. Gasper (Superintendent), joined by CFO Ann Alfano and Board of Education President Barbara Marino, presented the school district's budget request for Fiscal Year 2025-2026. Key points:
- Budget Request: $139,362,463 from the General Fund, an increase of $11,362,463 (8.88%) over the current adopted budget of $128 million. The request is characterized as a "level services" budget with additional staffing only for special education (including one assistant principal, board certified behavior analysts, paraeducators, school psychologists, social workers, and special education teachers).
- Drivers of Increase: Contractual cost increases include teacher salaries ($44.8M to $45.0M), transportation and bus monitors (up 17% due to bid), special education tuition (up $3.5 million), and health insurance/benefits ($1.9 million increase). Special education outplacements have doubled from 68 to 130 students, with costs per student ranging from $100,000 to $250,000 annually.
- State Funding Uncertainty: The district faces a potential swing of $3.8 million in excess cost reimbursement depending on state budget decisions. The governor's budget proposed zero additional dollars, while legislative proposals range from $40 million to $124 million, which would break fiscal guardrails. The district did not budget for any increase in excess cost.
- Student Achievement Data: Dr. Gasper highlighted "green shoots"—positive trends in reading and math scores, college credit attainment (536 students in semester one), and improved adult practice. He noted that enrollment is growing slowly, and class sizes are within contractual limits.
- Questions from Council: Alderwoman Beloin-Savedra pressed for clarity on the difference between a level-services budget and a status quo budget, asking to see the cost of continuing current operations without new staff. Dr. Gasper and Ms. Alfano responded that the $8.7 million increase (after subtracting $2.6 million for new special ed staff) covers contractual obligations only. Alderwoman Beloin-Savedra also requested union-by-union salary increase percentages and a current vacancy list. Alderman McNamara noted that local effort has increased only 0.29% per year over 12 years, while state aid has risen over 60%.
Special Revenue and Enterprise Funds Budget (Item 36786-1)
- The resolution was referred with a neutral recommendation without discussion.
Capital Improvement Program (LOCIP) Budget (Item 36787-1)
- Alderwoman Beloin-Savedra noted that for the first time, three Board of Education projects (totaling approximately $395,000) are included in the LOCIP grant: flooring at DiLoreto, lighting at Lincoln, and a third project. The resolution was referred with a neutral recommendation.
Key Outcomes
- Item 36785-1 (General Fund Budget): Motion to refer with a neutral recommendation passed unanimously (voice vote). The school budget presentation was received, and the committee forwarded the resolution to the full Council without recommendation.
- Item 36786-1 (Special Revenue and Enterprise Funds Budget): Moved and seconded to refer with a neutral recommendation. Passed unanimously (voice vote).
- Item 36787-1 (LOCIP Budget): Moved and seconded to refer with a neutral recommendation. Passed unanimously (voice vote).
- The meeting adjourned at approximately 6:05 PM (after the school presentation and votes) on a motion by Alderman McNamara, seconded by Alderman Simpson.
Meeting Transcript
Interesting getting everybody out of time we'll start on time. I call to order the May 8th, 2025 special meeting of the Committee on Administration, Finance, and Law and Public Services. The time is now 6 p.m. ish. Mr. Clerk or Ms. Clerk, will you please call the role? Here. Ottawa McNamara. Here. Otherman Santiago. Otterman Simpson. Here. Otterman Gibson. Ottoman Smedley. Audemen Balloons of Aja. Or the woman McAdam. Five President Mavicorn. Thank you, Mr. Clerk. We are going to open the floor to public participation. Please state your name and address and limit your comments to three minutes. Are there any members here to make public comment? I do not have any signed up. Going twice. Are there any members here to make public comments? The chair recognizes Alderman Pabone joining us. Comment? Yes. Thank you. Welcome. State your name and address for the record. You got three minutes. Should I fill this out first or no? Just state your name and address for the record. You got it. Good evening, members of the Common Council. My name is Laura Bolke. I reside at 85 Settlers Knoll in Newington, but was born and raised in New Britain, and my brother and I are proud alumni of its schools. In addition, my mom was a career educator at Smalley Elementary School, and I have been a staff member in New Britain since 2004. I'm currently the 612 Curriculum Coordinator. Thank you for the opportunity to speak tonight. I'm here to express concern about the potential underfunding of our school district if the mayor's budget proposal is passed, particularly in light of the extreme and increasing costs in two critical areas special education and student transportation. These are not optional line items, they are essential services mandated by law and ethics, and they are among the most expensive and rapidly growing needs our district must meet. In truth, the cost of nearly everything it takes to run a school district, utilities, staffing, supplies, maintenance, and technology are rising. These are not luxuries, they are the backbone of a functioning educational system. I understand that a tax decrease may sound like a welcome relief for many community members. We all feel the pressure of inflation. However, it is important to be candid. At the family level, a tax decrease is going to be small, not likely to have a meaningful impact on a family's day-to-day life.
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