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 April 30, 2026.
A recent Letter to the Editor referenced Regional School District 17’s Reserve Fund for Educational Expenditures, raising an important question:
If the district holds over $2 million in this fund, why can’t it be used to offset this year’s budget increase?
To answer that, it’s important to understand what the reserve fund is – and what it is intended to do.
Prior to the 2023–2024 fiscal year, Connecticut regional school districts were permitted to maintain reserve funds specifically for capital and non-recurring expenses. Unlike local school districts, regional districts like RSD17 are responsible for owning and maintaining their school buildings. In towns with local districts, those costs typically sit in the municipal budget. This distinction makes direct budget comparisons between districts misleading.
Because RSD17 bears these responsibilities, it must plan, and save, for both expected and unexpected costs. Planned expenses might include furniture replacement or major systems like boilers reaching end-of-life. Unexpected costs can arise as well – for example, emergency equipment replacement following a severe storm. The reserve fund exists to manage both.
Beginning in fiscal year 2023–2024, state legislation expanded the allowable use of these funds to include broader “educational expenditures,” not just capital items. However, district policy still directs that a portion of the fund be maintained as a contingency for emergencies, while the majority remains dedicated to capital needs. This will allow us to stay on top of maintenance needs, have enough for bigger projects that are necessary, and have money for unexpected expenses.
So, why not use these funds to offset this year’s budget increase?
RSD17 is currently updating and prioritizing our comprehensive 5 year capital plan, informed by prior facility studies and current needs. The current plan estimates that we will spend over $2 million a year for the next 5 years in capital, non-recurring expenses alone. This does not include the emergency expenses we come across each year, like the boiler replacement at Killingworth Elementary or the phone communication system plus a water heater failure at Burr Elementary. Our buildings are subjected to various safety and fire system inspections and as the facilities age, updates are required, such as fire doors at the Middle School. These upcoming projects, including summer improvements and planned projects, are expected to draw from this reserve. In fact, at our April meeting the Board approved the second year of a four-year plan for nonrecurring expenses at the elementary schools using these funds. At the May Finance and Facilities meeting, a list of summer projects will be discussed and potentially moved forward for board approval.
The reserve fund is not surplus money sitting idle. It is a critical tool that allows the district to responsibly maintain its facilities, plan for the future, and respond when the unexpected occurs.
Heather Pach, Chairperson, Regional School District 17 Board of Education
