Submitted by Jennifer Favalora, RSD 17 Board of Education Vice Chair
(April 17, 2025) — On May 6, 2025, the RSD17 Board of Education 2025/2026 school gross budget of $52,248,789 will be brought to the towns of Haddam and Killingworth for a referendum.
This budget represents an increase of $2,430,760 or 4.88%. After revenue, grants and fund balances, the towns of Haddam and Killingworth will be assessed approximately $29,597,766 (59.16%) and $20,432,265 (40.84%), respectively. This is based on October 1, 2024, student enrollment, which was 1719 students, a decrease from the previous year.
It is important to clarify that this referendum is for the annual school budget, which funds the ongoing operational expenses of the school district and is voted on by both towns each year. This referendum is not related to the high school building project. Voting will take place from 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. at regular voting locations.
Factors Driving the Budget Increase
Major Expenses
- Salaries $25,661,981
- Benefits $9,136,500
- Transportation $4,742,033
Increases for Educational Impact
- Special Education Tuition $3,283,371
- Elementary Improvement Plan $1,492,749
Debt Service and Reserve Fund for Educational Expenditures
- Debt Service $823,912
- Reserve Fund for Educational Expenditures contribution $800,000
A More Detailed Explanation of the Budget Drivers
Salaries & Benefits
Total FY26 salaries equal $25,661,981, an increase of $1,525,578 over the FY25 budget. Over the past two years, there has been a reduction of 8 certified FTEs and 15 non-certified FTEs. This year’s budget proposes an increase in 1.4 certified and .5 non-certified staff. Finally, health insurance premiums for FY26 are estimated to contribute an increase of $287,294 to this year’s budget.
Transportation
This year is the final year of a 3-year student transportation contract, with a 5% rate increase for FY26. This rate increase, combined with the McKinney-Vento federal service requirements and increased PreK-SPED and SPED transportation is combined for a total student transportation cost of $4,742,033 or an increase of $440,004 or 10.23% over FY25.
Special Education Tuition
The proposed Special Education increase of $298,029 is due to the changing needs of our student population. Tuition costs for both public and non-public tuitions (outplaced resident students for whom RSD17 is financially responsible) is budgeted at $3,283,371 or an increase of $298,029 or 9.98%.
Long-Term Investments
This year, the District will invest $1.2 million in the elementary schools and $200,000 in HKIMS from its Reserve Fund for Educational Expenditures. These investments will support the completion of elementary school security camera and viewboard upgrades, launch a four-year replacement plan for outdated furniture and fixtures, replacement of a boiler at Burr Elementary School, and of the driveway and lots at Killingworth Elementary.
Reserve Fund for Educational Expenditures
Although the District will initially fund the Reserve Fund at 1.53% instead of the state maximum of 2%, it plans to utilize any year-end 25-26 fund balance to maximize the Reserve Fund contribution to the full 2%.
Debt Service
Finally, the budget includes $893,500 in debt service payments for the 2018 HKHS building improvements.
Town Assessment and Refund
Assessment
Haddam and Killingworth contribute to the school budget based on their respective student enrollments as of October 1st of the preceding year, known as the “Average Daily Membership (ADM).” This academic year, enrollment shifted and Haddam has 52 fewer students, while Killingworth experienced a decrease of 1. Consequently, Haddam’s net assessment has decreased to 59.16% with a total of 1,017 enrolled students, while Killingworth’s share is now 40.84% with 702.
Refund
At the end of the fiscal year, the district historically has a positive balance remaining in the budget. The unspent Audited Fund Balance is then credited to the following year’s town gross budget obligation. This year, the Audited Fund Balance for FY2024 is $1,048,457.
RSD 17 Per-Pupil Costs Compared to Other Districts
RSD17’s per-pupil expenditures have consistently remained low compared to neighboring school districts. Understanding the town’s limited resources, the Board of Education works diligently to balance budget constraints and prioritize academic programs, essential services, and infrastructure maintenance.
The Board is committed to efficient resource management and aims to limit the impact of lower per-pupil expenditures both on educational outcomes and on overall community well-being.
The Board of Education, as always, continues to be grateful for the community’s support of our district’s budget.
Haddam BOE Members
Joseph Centofanti, Sonja Charpentier, Jen Favalora, Shawna Goldfarb, Heather Pach, Corey Roberts
Killingworth BOE Members
Lisa Connelly, Nelson Rivera, Suzanne Sack, Jennifer Voegtli, Kathy Zandi
