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 June 30, 2025.
The Board of Education has released a third version of the proposed school budget following two failed referendums. Approximately $900,000 has been trimmed from the original proposal, bringing the net budget increase down to 3.39%. Yet for many voters, the key question is not just how much has been cut, but where those cuts were made.
The current proposal includes reductions to both student-facing programs and operational costs, while maintaining full funding for Central Office leadership. The Assistant Superintendent’s total compensation is estimated at $236,000, and the two Curriculum Coordinator positions remain fully funded with a combined salary of $284,000. Together, these central office roles account for $520,000.
Breakdown of the Most Recent $450,000 in Reductions
Classroom and Instructional Support (~$250,000):
- School Climate Position: $60,000
- Reading Coach: $40,000
- LEARN Contract (instructional support services): $80,000
- Professional Development for Teachers: $10,037
- Supplies and Software (including classroom resources): $60,000
Administrative and Operational Adjustments (~$200,000):
- Telephone (BES): $20,000
- Postage: $3,463
- Vehicle Parts: $3,000
- Electricity: $18,500
- Custodial Uniforms: $5,000
- Health Insurance: $75,000
- Student Accident Insurance: $10,000
- Central Office Administrative Assistant: $40,000
- Social Security Savings: $25,000
Understanding the School Budget’s Impact on the Mill Rate
Killingworth’s share of the current (FY25) school budget is $18,845,630. The original FY26 proposal would have raised that to $20,432,265. After adjustments, the latest version reduces Killingworth’s contribution to $20,064,705—still an increase of $1,219,075, or 6.47 percent, over last year.
This rise is partly due to changes in Average Daily Membership (ADM). Haddam’s student enrollment declined by 52 students, while Killingworth’s declined by one. As a result, Haddam’s share of the overall budget decreased to 59.16 percent, and Killingworth’s increased to 40.84 percent, based on enrollments of 1,017 and 702 students, respectively.
On June 8, the Board of Finance raised the mill rate by two mills, generating about $1.66 million in new tax revenue. The school budget is the primary reason for this increase, accounting for roughly 1.5 mills, or $1.25 million. In contrast, the town’s operating budget decreased by $626,762—an amount equal to about 0.75 mills. Although the mill rate was set before the school budget was finalized and approved by voters in Haddam and Killingworth, the earlier referendum defeats functioned to reduce the school budget and ease additional pressure to raise taxes further. Had the original school budget been approved, Killingworth’s share would have represented approximately 1.9 mills.
As of July 1, the district is operating under last year’s budget (FY25) until voters in Haddam and Killingworth approve a new one.
Please Note: This vote is separate from a future proposal to build a new high school, which is currently estimated to cost approximately $100 million.
RSD 17 BOARD OF EDUCATION BUDGET REFERENDUM
Date: Tuesday, July 8, 2025
Location: Killingworth Elementary School
Question: “Shall Regional School District #17 adopt a gross budget of $51,348,789 for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2025?”
Absentee ballots are available. Please contact your Town Clerk for details.
Eric Nunes, Selectman, Town of Killingworth
My message remains the same, which is echoed by so many residents…eliminate redundant administrative positions: Asst. Superintendent and the two Asst. Principals. Stop cuts to student programs/services.
I totally agree with the comments above. Too many “assistants” in this administration. What’s next down the line? An assistant for the assistant? No. Go back to the drawing board and cut those “admin assistants” out. If the Principal and the Superintendent can’t manage their own time and schedule, then perhaps we should take another look at them as well, and find someone who can.
Exactly. Too many administrative positions. The teachers are the ones with the tough jobs! We have only lived in Killingworth 3 years and our taxes have been raised each year by hundreds.