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 5, 2025.
A school budget can fail for a variety of valid reasons but, the funneling of misinformation should never be one of them.
As current Chair of the Killingworth Board of Finance I pay close attention to the school budget. After all, it is almost 80% of our total municipal budget and we, as a team, strive to be fiscally conservative for our taxpayers.
This is a responsible budget that:
*The BOE reduced to a 3.88% increase over last year’s budget.
*Reduces administrative costs by continuing to utilize subcontractors from LEARN to do payroll, accounts payable, banking, and accounting. This saves on benefits.
*Does not reduce direct investments in students. The BOE did not reduce any line item in the original Superintendent’s budget that related to investments in students. These line items are based on input from School Principals and other staff.
*Increases support for educators with not only wage increases and classroom resources but also both Math and Science interventionists to address issues children still face since the COVID pandemic.
*Will have a $2.6M balance in the Reserve Account for Educational Expenditures (formerly the Capital Reserve Account). This account will support the completion of elementary school security camera and view board upgrades, launch a four-year replacement plan for outdated furniture and fixtures in Grades K-3, replacement of a boiler at Burr Elementary School, and replacement of the driveway and parking lots at KES.
Finally, to address the issue of the need for an Assistant Superintendent, although I do not feel I am qualified to have input either way, I do wonder if this is the year to make such a decision since we are currently without a permanent Superintendent.
Please join me in supporting our excellent schools, students, educators, and staff.
Vote tomorrow, June 6, 2025 at Killingworth Elementary School between 6:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m.
Annie Stirna, Killingworth
There is no time like the present to discuss the elimination of the Asst Superintendent position plus a hard analysis of sharing responsibilities of both elementary schools with only one Principal instead of two. A deep dive of administrative costs is desperately needed so as NOT to slash student services and programs or assistance for teaching staff. Rampant disregard for the impact on taxpayers has been a growing, annually compounded issue. Now it has come to a boiling point with the suggestion/recommendation of a new school building looming, promising yet another tax increase to already financially burdened citizens. NOW is indeed the time for serious discussions.
Please go to the Town of Killingworth YouTube Channel and listen to the BOS/BOE discussion on the Central Office/Admin/Assistant Superintendent roles and job duties. It may or may not change your mind but it is good, accurate information on which to base a decision.