It’s Time to Renew: Rocky Hill Must Invest to Meet Student Needs

Opinion piece: this article reflects the opinion of the author.

The Rocky Hill Board of Education recently voted unanimously on the Operation Budget for the 2026-2027 school year. As we said in our presentation to the Town Council this week, we believe every investment in our schools strengthens opportunities, outcomes, and long-term success for students.

Of this year’s proposed budget, 7.64% covers negotiated salaries, benefits, and transportation costs, including field trips. Only 1.34% restores positions, stipends, and resources lost in recent years.

Investments include reducing class sizes, restoring teaching positions, adding a guidance counselor at GMS, a social worker at the high school, a Special Education Supervisor for the high school and GMS, and a TESOL teacher to support multilingual learners. Additional support for music, math intervention, STEM, athletics, and student activities are also included.

Rocky Hill students continue to perform above the state average on SBAC and SAT testing, but the data also shows challenges. About 30% of students are not proficient in Math and ELA on SAC assessments.

On the SAT, 45% of students in Math and 23% in Evidence-Based Reading and Writing are not meeting the state average. These numbers reflect students who may need additional academic, behavioral, or social-emotional support.

Alongside the operating budget is the Capital Improvement Program (CIP), which identifies essential capital projects needed to maintain town-owned buildings. Over the past seven years, however, the CIP has been underfunded by approximately $7 million. The unfinished HVAC project at Stevens School is one example of the impact delayed investments can have on our facilities. Future priorities include completing that project and addressing needs at GMS, including updated learning spaces like a redesigned media center, technology lab, and renovated woodshop.

Sustaining excellence requires investment. Public education is not a cost to be minimized. It’s time for Rocky Hill to renew its commitment to our public schools.