By Editorial Staff
(May 6, 2025) — The following are unofficial results from the Regional School District 17 budget referendum held on May 6, 2025:
Question: Shall we adopt Regional School District #17 Education gross budget of $52,248,789 for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2025?
Haddam Results
Yes 338
No 519
Killingworth Results
Yes 294
No 368
Good!
The district wanted an almost 5% increase. I would have had no problem if this matched the rate of inflation. Seems like every time we turn around someone has their hand deeper into our pockets.
Thing is, this isn’t over. Before long I expect the district will be putting the arm on us again for a new or revamped high school as well.
Enough is enough. already!
The proposed increase was over 6% actually.
Based on passed 2025-2026 budget of $51,348,000 vs. 2026-2027 proposed budget of $54,465,000
However I read somewhere that the actual gross increase was proposed at 7.4%. Not sure what that percentage increase includes.
Declining student population and proposed increases well above the rate of inflation. And administrators always argue that the decline is projected to reverse itself in the future.