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Letter to the Editor: Three Strikes Against the School Budget. Why It Was Rejected

The views stated here are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of the editors of this newspaper. We welcome supporting or opposing views on any published item. Received May 7, 2025.

On May 6, 2025, voters in Killingworth and Haddam sent a clear message by rejecting the proposed 2025-2026 Regional School District 17 school budget of $52,248,789. This was not a vote against public education, or a dismissal of the importance and responsibility of educating our children. It was a response to three serious concerns that many residents could no longer overlook.

First, the tax increase was too steep.
Killingworth’s share of the district budget was set to rise by 8.42%, or about 1.55 million dollars, adding 1.86 mills to the current tax rate. With school spending already accounting for 79% of the town’s total budget, many residents, especially seniors on fixed incomes and young families, felt they could not absorb another increase. A large portion of our population is over the age of 55, and continued tax hikes are making it harder for them to stay in their homes. At the same time, rising costs are putting home ownership further out of reach for younger families. This vote followed multiple consecutive years of school budget increases between 4% and 6% annually, totaling nearly ten million dollars, or a 23% increase, since 2021.

Second, a 100-million-dollar high school project is looming.
Although the district scaled back an earlier plan that was initially estimated at nearly 400 million dollars, the revised proposal still raises concern. Asking taxpayers to accept a significant budget increase now, while also preparing to request a major capital investment in the near future, creates real anxiety about long-term affordability. This is especially concerning in a district facing declining enrollment, an aging population, and a shrinking tax base.

Third, leadership uncertainty added to the unease.
Superintendent Jeff Wihbey’s sudden resignation, announced just weeks before the vote, further shook public confidence. Many residents, and even some members of the Board of Education, first learned of his departure from a Facebook post by the district that had hired him. The lack of transparency left the community surprised and unsettled. Before approving additional funds, voters want clarity on who will lead our schools through the financial and enrollment challenges ahead.

What happens now?
The budget goes back to the Board of Education for revision, followed by a second referendum. Voters have spoken clearly: the current proposal does not pass muster. They expect meaningful cuts and a more responsible plan.

This was not a vote against education. It was a demand for fiscal accountability. Rising costs, higher taxes, and a shrinking tax base have stretched many families to the limit. Voters want a budget that puts students first and does not force residents on limited incomes out of their homes.

Eric Nunes, Selectman, Town of Killingworth

1 COMMENT

  1. Your comments make a great deal of sense to me. While a senior…..I am still working full time and have the good fortune to own two homes. One in Killingworth and another where I now reside in the Finger Lakes of NY. NY is by no means an “affordable” state to live in. Yet it does afford Senior Taxpayers some good options as compared to CT. NY State has a STAR program where seniors can receive an actual check to use to pay towards their school taxes. Prior to 2015 STAR gave those enrolled an actual tax “credit” with a reduced School tax bill. Interestingly enough I receive a “separate” tax bill in NY state for the town taxes and a totally separate bill for the School Tax.
    And STAR in NY is not a low income program. While there are additional benefits to reduce school taxes for low income and hardships….the regular STAR program is for residents with a combined income of less than $500,000.
    I might also add that NY State DOES NOT tax Seniors on their Social Security income as CT does.
    It’s time Connecticut addresses their aging population and offers real tax relief to residents in retirement and on fixed incomes.

    STAR credit. If you are registered for the STAR credit, the Tax Department will issue your STAR benefit via check or direct deposit. You can use your STAR benefit to pay your school taxes. You can receive the STAR credit if you own your home and it’s your primary residence and the combined income of the owners and the owners’ spouses is $500,000 or less.

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