By Michelle L. Santoro

Sherman – Superintendent Dr. Patricia Cosentino presented the 2024-25 Budget at the regular meeting of the Sherman School Board of Education (“BOE and/or “Board”) on Wednesday February 7 in the Sherman School Library.  Dr. Pat’s agenda consisted of: Points of Pride, the district’s Strategic Vision, Mission & Goals, Budget Priorities, the Budget Process, Budget Assumptions & Drivers, Enrollment & Staffing, a Budget Summary, and, finally, the Next Steps.

Beginning with ‘Points of Pride,’ Dr. Pat beamed, “There are many, many wonderful things going on.”  She highlighted the district’s focus on data to improve instructional outcomes.  Over the last two years, staff has espoused its happiness resulting in an improved school climate. Dr. Pat also mentioned a renewed focus on using resources more efficiently.

Next, those in attendance heard a summary of the district’s strategic plan, which is the foundation upon which all decisions are made.  The superintendent’s motto is “engage, empower, and excel.” 

As for budget priorities, number one is putting students first and rounding out the list of nine – always be mindful of the Sherman taxpayer.  “The priorities help create that lens on how you’re going to reach that vision,” the superintendent said.  When discussion budget assumptions – those things the district cannot change and must adhere to – Dr. Pat mentioned the need to meet all contractual obligations, a reduction of grant funding – including a decrease in excess cost reimbursement and the end of American Rescue Plan Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ARP Esser) funds, the need to comply with special education legal obligations, unfunded state mandates – HVAC & facility inspection and school climate survey, the need to improve communication systems, and repairs to the aging infrastructure. 

The items in the budget causing significant increase – known as budget divers, include increases in high school costs (+$170,228), special education outplacement (+$216,322), and transportation (+$157,174), the loss of ARP ESSER funding ($86,678), completion of state mandated HVAC/facility inspection (+$20,000), hiring of a Registered Behavior Technician, which is an IEP requirement (+$28,134), a redesign of the school communication system (+$23,600) and critical repairs to the school “that can no longer be postponed” (+$112,745).

For the 2024-25 scho ol year, projected enrollment for Pre-K through eighth grade stands at 261 students resulting in two sections per grade except for grades 1, 5 and 7, which will only have one section. One hundred forty-one high schoolers are expected to attend Shepaug, Shepaug Agri-science, New Fairfield, New Milford or Abbott Tech high school.  Dr. Pat noted that the district is responsible for costs associated with Sherman’s high schoolers, some until they reach the age of 22.

The superintendent’s proposed budget of $10,043,755 represents a 3.81% decrease from the request received by her in December; however, it is a 5.62% increase from last year’s budget.  Proposed staff reductions include 3.7 full-time equivalent (“FTE”) reduction in certified staff and a 1.98 FTE reduction in paraprofessionals. It is proposed that existing staff will be reallocated to fill program needs.  To make it easier for digestion, Dr.  Pat presented pie charts detailing costs and percentages.  For example, salaries and benefits comprise 57.1% of the budget.  Budget documents were posted to the school’s website.  At the time of publication, the Board will have hosted two of its three budget workshops with public comment.  The third workshop is scheduled for March 20, after the budget is reviewed by the Board of Selectman on March 11.  A public hearing is scheduled for March 27.  The annual budget meeting is s cheduled for April 20 and the town referendum is on May 4. 

Following her budget presentation, Dr. Pat congratulated everyone who participated in the talent show and provided a summary of the school’s spirit week.  The Lions came to the school on February 16 to conduct eye screening.  Parent-teacher conferences are scheduled for March to follow quarter marking periods more closely. 

On the agenda was a first reading of Policy 5131.911 Connecticut School Climate and Policy 4117.6 Exit Survey Interview, both of which will return to next month’s agenda as a second reading.  The Board discussed the proposed 2024-25 school calendar followed by discussion on combined enrollment projections and educational program space allocation.  On motion of Mr. Laughlin, the Board unanimously voted to approv e modifications to preliminary educational program space allocations. 

Board Chair Matt Vogt provided a summary of discussions had with New Fairfield, New Milford and Region 12 regarding the viability of a Local PK-5/Inter-district 6-12 education model.  If the district were to move to an inter-district 6-12 education model, the high school choice option for Sherman high schoolers would be eliminated.  While New Fairfield is not far into its budget process and therefore could not go in depth into an analysis of taking on all Sherman’s grade 6-12 students, they provided an approximate cost of $15,000 per student and indicated if it happened, Sherman would be partially responsible for (school) capital projects as if the students were a part of the district.  New Milford provided Mr. Vogt with an approximate per pupil cost of $18,100, exclusive of transportation and special education costs.  District 12 was enthusiastic about the prospect of accepting all Sherman students and provided a per pupil cost of $28,000, not inclusive of transportation and special education costs.  Board members noted the increase to the budget for an approximate 220 students in grades 6-12 attending middle and high school in another district.  Mr. Vogt noted his appreciation of the neighboring districts taking the time to speak with him regarding the possibility of Sherman changing its school model.  

The next regular Board of Education Meeting is scheduled for March 6, 2024, at 7:00 p.m., in the LMC and via Zoom.