New Milford Public School District

This document, a Budget Presentation for Schaghticoke Middle School, frames its financial plan within the broader mission of the New Milford Public Schools to prepare students for an evolving world through high-quality instruction and diverse experiences. It highlights foundational values such as Focus, Heart, Collaboration, and Creativity, alongside key strategic areas aimed at fostering a thriving school environment and educational excellence. Primary budget priorities include maintaining and strengthening existing programs and expanding educational opportunities during the 2026/27 academic year.

This document outlines the strategic priorities and initiatives for the New Milford Public Schools Department of Instruction for the 2026-2027 academic year. It focuses on several key areas including enhancing curriculum (Science of Reading, iReady Math), improving instructional practices through data and professional learning, fostering teacher leadership, and supporting specific populations such as Multilingual Learners and Adult Education. The plan emphasizes building strong, coherent instructional systems, implementing Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS), and ensuring collaboration across student support networks to achieve high-quality, student-centered learning and equitable outcomes for all students.

The meeting included several key items of business and discussion. The PTO reported on substantial donations made to the schools. The Board approved the minutes from the May 20, 2025 Regular Meeting and the May 29, 2025 Special Meeting. The Superintendent and Board Chairperson provided reports marking the end of the school year, noting successful graduation ceremonies and thanking the public for supporting the recent referendum which facilitates necessary hiring. Subcommittee reports covered Policy, Learning, Facilities, and Operations. Discussions and actions regarding monthly financial reports included detailed reviews of the Budget Position dated May 31, 2025, confirming encumbrance rates, clarifying the status of Capital Reserve funds, and discussing the ESG payment. Bid awards were approved for Occupational Therapy and Physical Therapy Services, while the decision to postpone the Enrollment Study was made pending state legislation changes. Significant fiscal year-end actions included approving a $100,000 deposit into the Turf Field Fund and authorizing a capital reserve withdrawal for Energy Systems Group lease payments. The Board also approved the 25/26 Budget, adopted a new policy on Restorative Practices Response, approved a policy on Naming or Renaming School Buildings, revised policies on School Security and Visitors, and discontinued two other policies. Furthermore, numerous new curricula across Art, Social Studies, English, Mathematics, World Languages, STEM, Library Media, and Early College Experiences were approved. During discussions requiring executive session, the Board interviewed a candidate and appointed Kristen Phillips as the PreK-5 Supervisor of Special Education, approved employment terms for Non-Bargaining Unit Employees, and authorized the Chairperson to execute the proposed contract with the Superintendent of Schools.

This strategic plan for the New Milford School District focuses on cultivating excellence by analyzing student performance trends and implementing instructional keystones. Key focus areas include improving ELA and Math proficiency, addressing subgroup gaps for Students with Disabilities, English Learners, and Economically Disadvantaged students, enhancing high school performance, and optimizing graduation rates. The plan aims to foster continuous student growth through targeted interventions, strategic staffing, and a commitment to equitable outcomes.

This five-year capital plan outlines the strategic approach for funding projects from the Board of Education's Capital Reserve account and details collaborative efforts with the Town of New Milford for certain initiatives. The plan highlights that funding requests are typically made between May and August, outside the operating budget cycle, and anticipates an updated capital reserve balance following the Fiscal Year End 22/23 deposit and audit presentation in January 2024.