Rocky Hill’s new budget was passed last month.The Board of Education proposed a budget of $56,141,771, a 4.87% increase from the previous year largely driven by an increase in salaries within the school system. The Town Council approved a budget of $55,491,771, a relative reduction of $650,000.
To accommodate this change in funding, the Board of Education had to reduce their planned budget. How were these changes made, and how does that impact our school system?
The following is based upon a public document produced by the Board of Education.
Pre-spending on next year’s technology budget
$160,000 surplus in the current 2024-2025 school year that would have been returned to the Town will now be used in this current school year. This effectively prespends this amount of money thereby reducing the budget by that amount for the 2026-2027 school year.
West Hill principal change
The current principal at West Hill is leaving the school for another position. A more junior person will fill the position. The pay difference is $19,081.
Superintendent’s executive assistant change
The executive assistance for the Superintendent of Schools will retire this year. A more junior person will fill the position. The pay difference is $23,355.
Eliminating an educational specialist position at the high school
The high school will remove a position with a non-certified staff member that helps students who were behind on credits. Instead certified staff already employed will fill the position. Removing the position will reduce spending by $53,874.
Cancelling the summer enrichment program
The Celebration of Learning summer program typically offered by the school system will not be offered this summer. The program includes Math and Reading activities for students Pre-K through Grade 5. Cancelling the program for this summer will reduce spending by $36,000.
The Extended Service Year program for special education will continue to operate.
Retiring of a West Hill teacher
A teacher at West Hill will be retiring, and the position will not be filled.
The maximum class size for elementary schools in Rocky Hill varies by grade level between 20 and 25. The maximum class size considered acceptable at West Hill is 22. The removal of this position eliminates district flexibility in keeping class sizes down in the elementary schools.
Leaving the teacher position unfilled reduces spending by $102,442.
Retiring of a world languages teacher from the high school
A world languages teacher will retire. The position will be filled by a teacher from Moser school, who will work part time. The difference in spending will be $44,944.
Stopping world languages program at Moser School
Moser school has offered French and Spanish classes to 4th and 5th graders. This introductory class will be put on hold for the coming year. The reduction in spending will be $121,344.
Merging elementary school special education programs
West Hill and Stevens Schools currently offer a special education program for students with autism and other disabilities in grades K to 3. For the upcoming school year, these programs will be merging for better delivery by one certified staff member and their team. The reduction in spending will be $91,771.
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