Submitted by Heather Pach, Chair, RSD 17 Board of Education
(August 20, 2026) — The Regional School District 17 Board of Education will present a revised 2026–2027 school budget to voters in Haddam and Killingworth for a fourth referendum on August 25, 2026.
The proposed FY27 gross budget is $52,884,118, representing a 2.99% increase over FY26. After accounting for $1,171,000 in district revenue, the FY27 net budget is $51,713,118.
The August proposal reflects reductions made throughout the referendum process as the Board and administration have continued reviewing expenditures and identifying additional opportunities to lower the proposed budget.
The original May referendum proposed a 6.07% increase. Following its defeat, the budget was reduced to 5.31% for the June referendum. Additional reductions brought the July 15 proposal to 4.46%. The revised August proposal further reduces the increase to 2.99%.
The proposed FY27 budget allocation between the two member towns is based on October 1, 2025 enrollment. Haddam, with 1,004 students, or 60.2% of district enrollment, would be allocated $31,126,126. Killingworth, with 664 students, or 39.8% of district enrollment, would be allocated $20,586,992.
Residents are reminded that the August 25th referendum is a vote on the annual RSD17 school operating budget only. It is not a vote on bonding for the high school project. Additional budget information is available on the RSD17 website under Board of Education budget updates.
