Submitted by RSD 17 Board of Education
(July 1, 2026) — On Wednesday, July 15, 2026, voters in Haddam and Killingworth will vote on the proposed Regional School District 17 operating budget for the 2026–2027 school year. The referendum concerns only the district’s annual operating budget and is not related to the high school building project.
The proposed budget totals $53,639,170, a 4.46% increase over the current year. After revenue, grants, and fund balances, Haddam will be assessed approximately $31,585,837 (60.2%) and Killingworth $20,882,333 (39.8%).
Polls will be open from 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. at regular polling locations. Absentee ballots are available through each Town Clerk’s Office from July 2, 2026 to July 14, 2026.
The district continues to face rising costs driven by inflation, labor markets, contractual obligations, healthcare, transportation, and expanding state and federal requirements. Before presenting the budget, district administration and the Board of Education conducted a comprehensive review of expenditures, identifying opportunities to reduce costs while minimizing impacts on students.
Financial stewardship is an ongoing process, not simply an annual budget exercise. While many current costs are outside the district’s direct control, every area of operations will be continually evaluated to improve efficiency, reduce long-term costs, and strengthen financial sustainability. Although today’s leadership cannot change decisions made in previous years, it remains focused on planning for the future through thoughtful, data-informed decision-making.
The largest portions of the operating budget support the people and services that educate, transport, and care for students. Major expenditures include $19.9 million for certified staff salaries, $6.45 million for support staff salaries, $7.96 million for employee health insurance, and $5.89 million for transportation.
Much of this year’s increase reflects fixed or externally driven costs. Employee salaries are established through collective bargaining agreements, although the district reduced staffing by 15.7 full-time equivalent positions to generate savings while preserving classroom instruction and student services. Health insurance costs are projected to increase approximately 15%, or $1.06 million, with staffing reductions offsetting about $125,000 of that increase. The district continues to explore long-term healthcare strategies to help manage future costs.
Transportation represents another significant increase in the budget. Following a competitive bidding process, the district awarded a new contract to the lowest qualified bidder. After bus drivers unionized and negotiated a new labor agreement, daily in-town bus rates increased by approximately 45%, adding about $1.24 million to the cost of existing routes.
While transportation costs are significantly influenced by contractual obligations, state requirements, and special education mandates, district administrators remain committed to identifying long-term efficiencies. The district will conduct a comprehensive transportation efficiency study and will continue exploring alternative service models, technology, and operational improvements that can help reduce future transportation costs while maintaining safe, reliable service and meeting all legal requirements.
Since the June referendum, district administration has identified an additional $438,423 in budget reductions through transportation efficiencies, staff attrition, lower insurance costs, fuel savings, textbook purchasing adjustments, reserve reductions, and restructuring student support services. These reductions reflect the district’s ongoing commitment to finding sustainable savings while maintaining programs and services.
Connecticut continues to expand mandates related to special education, student mental health, school climate, compliance, and state reporting, leaving limited flexibility for additional reductions without affecting students. In response, the district continues to examine central office operations, purchasing practices, technology, grant opportunities, and shared services to improve efficiency and reduce future budget pressures.
Regional School District 17 remains committed to responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars while providing the high-quality educational opportunities, safety, and support services that benefit students and strengthen the Haddam and Killingworth communities.
For additional information, contact boe@rsd17.org.
