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Town of Winchester Education Budget
By Judith A. Palmer and Dr. Robert Gazda
Judith A. Palmer is Superintendent of Winchester Public Schools, and Dr. Robert Gazda is Principal/ Superintendent of The Gilbert School.
The Town of Winchester’s Charter Revision calls for an Annual Town Meeting prior to the referendum on the town budget. All Winchester residents should plan to attend this vital step in our new budget process. Our Town Meeting will be held at The Gilbert School on Monday, May 6 at 7 p.m. Attendance at this meeting is critical because residents have the opportunity to make cuts to the proposed budget and to vote on whether or not the suggested cuts should be made and brought to referendum. The date for the referendum has not been set, but will be between 21 and 28 days from the May 6 Town Meeting.
The Winchester Public Schools and The Gilbert School make the following statements about the educational budget:
• Over 97% of our increase in the operating budget is comprised of fixed costs. These include all salaries, utilities, transportation, insurance costs, and federal and state mandated programs and placements.
• Under 3% of the budget increase includes programs to address identified educational needs, necessary instructional supplies, and facility maintenance and essential supplies.
• To offset the educational costs, out town is reimbursed $5,536,849 through the Educational Cost Sharing Grant provided by the State of Connecticut.
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