The Board of Selectmen (“BOS”) held a special meeting Thursday, April 7, to discuss the Sherman Board of Education’s (“BOE”) final budget proposal adopted at its April 5th meeting, which as Selectman Joel Bruzinski noted was accepted unanimously by those present at that meeting. First Selectman Don Lowe wasted no time questioning those members of the BOE who were present about certain aspects of the final BOE proposal, including a provision for a full-time Assistant Principal, which was not in a prior draft of the propo sed budget, and why there was only a negligible reduction from the previous proposal submitted.

                Discussion ensued between the BOE members present and the BOS about various details of the amended proposal, including a proposed increase in the size of the school’s administration, which is an addition not understood by Eric Holub.  Tim Laughlin and Matt Vogt of the BOE both spoke in support of the budget and provided further explanation and rationale for the final proposal. With respect to the inclusion of the salary for a full-time Assistant Principal, the BOE noted that it was never its intent to not have one; and, following the requested change by the Town’s auditor, and the desire to bring a reasonable budget to the taxpayers as well as flexibility to an incoming interim Superintendent, that line item was added to the final proposal. 

                The BOE members went on to explain that while the proposed budget includes costs associated with maintaining interim roles for a full-time Principal, Assistant P rincipal, Director of Curriculum and Instruction, and Director of Special Education, led by a part-time Superintendent, those costs are still less than would have been required had the Sherman School continued with its current administrative model.

                 All the BOE members present were clear in their intent – the need to cover the Sherman School’s bases moving forward and keep it functioning as smoothly and efficiently during the transition and in future years, with whatever administrative model is decided upon. 

Although to some, it could appear that the BOS were over-scrutinizing the amended proposal with its detailed questions, as Selectman Joel Bruzinski reminded everyone, it is the job of the Board of Finance to be responsible for the taxpayers’ money and have as much oversight as possible.  “I am personally trying to strike a balance. I want to see our schools funded,” Mr. Bruzinski said.  It is now up to the voters to decide. 

                The BOE’s final budget request reduces overall expenses from the current school year by $85,956, or -.92%.  High School related expenses are reduced by $307,351, or -13.09%, while the BOE seeks an increase of $279,077, or 3.13% for its PK-8 related spending components.  In sum, the final proposed budget represents a net reduction of $120,106, or -1.29%.

The BOS motioned to move to Town meeting on April 23 the Town budget of $5,344,858.49 and the BOE budget of $9,233,865 for a total combined budget of $14,578 ,723.49, which motion passed unanimously.

By Michelle L. Santoro