James Turcio

The committee held a budget workshop to review and discuss a requested budget reduction scenario. Members deliberated on proposed cuts to various line items and ultimately voted on a budget proposal to be recommended to the Joint Board of Education, including a total supervision district budget and adjustments for projected healthcare costs. Public comments were also received regarding the impact of the proposed reductions on student services.

The Board approved tuition rates for the upcoming school year and established school breakfast, lunch, and milk prices. A new Joint Board of Education Standing Committee, titled Joint BOE Pupil Services Committee, was created. Additionally, the Board approved the Supervision District Budget and adopted several policies covering fund transfers, educational fund management, health insurance reserves, restorative practices, school climate, and library material collection and review processes.

The board reviewed and discussed the proposed Chester Elementary School budget for the 2026-2027 fiscal year. Consensus was reached to advance the budget proposal, which reflects a 2.97% increase, for a final vote at the upcoming regular Board of Education meeting prior to presentation to the Town.

The committee reviewed and approved the payment of the final invoice for the John Winthrop Middle School mold remediation project. Additionally, the committee accepted the project as complete and authorized the submission of necessary closeout documentation to the Office of Grants Administration.

The meeting included an historical overview of maintenance needs. The committee discussed immediate and future funding requirements and capital plan considerations for the JWMS and VRHS buildings and grounds, as well as addressing facility needs for the Central Office.