Region One budget rises by 2.2% for 2023-24

FALLS VILLAGE — The Region One Board of Education finalized the proposed spending plan for 2023-24 at the regular board meeting Monday, March 6. The spending plan’s increase is 2.2%, lower than the 2.76% the board was considering in February.

The public hearing is Thursday, April 6 and the referendum is Tuesday, May 2.

The Region One budget has three parts: Housatonic Valley Regional High School (HVRHS), Pupil Services (which includes special education), and the Regional Schools Services Center (RSSC).

The proposed spending plan budgets $8,631,818 for HVRHS, an increase of $200,562 (2.38%).

Pupil Services is $6,733,362, an increase of $50,291 (.76%).

RSSC is $1,667,147, an increase of $114,875 (7.4%).

The bottom line is $17,032,327, an increase of $366,358.

Jenn Duncan, the Kent representative and a member of the budget subcommittee, said the budget proposal includes a 4% salary increase per contractual obligations.

Duncan said Region One got a break on health insurance, settling on an 8% increase rather than the expected 10%.

Region One was also able to secure a heating oil contract at $3.10 per gallon.

In Pupil Services, outplacement tuition and transportation continue to be significant line items, “somewhat offset” by grant funds and some positions that will not be filled as their current occupants retire.

At the RSSC, the HR Generalist position was covered by grant funds over the last two years, but the cost must now be picked up by the region.

And RSSC is adding a new position to help with the coordination of computer applications throughout the school system. The cost of this new position will be shared with Kent Center School, where the new assistant already works.

Ned Gow, the North Canaan representative, observed that for the second straight year that town is facing a significant increase in its Region One assessment.

He jokingly told Business Manager Sam Herrick “to be prepared for questions” when Herrick presents the proposed spending plan to the North Canaan Board of Finance.

Duncan reminded everyone that when the budget subcommittee began work, the increase was projected to be more than double, at 4.5%.

Assessments In The Current 2023-24 Budget Proposal

Cornwall

$1.847,118

increase of  $396,904

Falls Village

$1,402,579

decrease of $94,677

Kent

$2,294,173

decrease of  $165,127

North Canaan

$5,702,882

increase of $194,760

Salisbury

$4,176,112

increase of $179,644

Sharon

$1,609,462

decrease of $145,167