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 July 2, 2026.
I am writing in support of the RSD17 2026-27 School Budget. I’ve been to several question and answer forums with the BOE and appreciate the frankness with which its members answered questions. I believe their work has been transparent and, as taxpayers themselves, they have produced a fiscally responsible budget without jeopardizing our children’s education.
Quoting from their most recent Budget FAQs, for the July Referendum, “The majority of spending is tied to fixed or externally driven costs (such as contractual obligations and expanding Connecticut state mandates), leaving a relatively small portion of the budget available for discretionary adjustments.” Certified staff salaries, health insurance, and transportation, are three components of that spending.
The Budget FAQs printout also addresses staffing reductions due to declining enrollment. It reads in part, “To align with lower enrollment numbers, the budget includes zero new positions and actively reduces 15.7 full-time equivalent (FTE), positions, saving $1,167, 118.” This helps offset the health insurance and the bus contract increases.
Both Killingworth and Haddam members of the BOE voiced their agreement with the requests that forums on the budget be held earlier in the process. They listened respectfully to community concerns. BOE monthly meetings are open to the public and include a time for public comment. Questions to the BOE about the budget may be sent to boe@rsd17.org.
Through all this, now a third referendum at between $5000 to $7000 a referendum, the education of our children is the primary consideration for our BOE members. They’ve worked hard this Spring to hold the budget in check and uphold our district’s standards.
Please join me and vote Yes for the RSD17 school budget on Wednesday, July 15, 2026. Absentee ballots are now available at Town Hall.
Kathleen Amoia, Killingworth
