Editor's note: This is the text of the executive summary of the 2008-09 Board of Education budget proposal, by Superintendent of Schools Sara-Jane R. Querfeld, from the school system's Web site at http://www.north-haven.k12.ct.us.

The Board of Education's proposed budget request for school-year 2008-2009 provides for each of the ten budget priorities developed by the central office staff and building principals, and approved by the Board of Education's Curriculum, Instruction, and Strategic Planning Committee as well as the Finance and Operations Committee.

The $2,613,060 proposed increase represents 6.5 percent over the current budget. The original requests from building principals and central office staff called for an increase of over $3.6 million, or a 9 percent increase. Once again, our goal was to put forth a budget to move North Haven's schools forward while remaining fiscally responsible and aware of the town's ability, and willingness, to pay. In keeping with this, the administrators worked closely with the superintendent to pare 1 million from the original request. The approved budget priorities served as the anchor upon which each difficult decision was made.

The requested budget asks for a 3.94% increase in order to meet both certified and non-certified contractual obligations for salary and benefits. The arbitrated contract for teachers provides a general wage increase of 2.25% and an average step increase of .97%, or an overall increase of 3.24%. Administrators received a 3.5% increase. There are no additions to the administrative staff. Medical insurance increases an anticipated 6%, or $278,044. Five new positions are included in the salary accounts. The middle school requires 3 additional classroom teachers in order to accommodate the 320 students moving from 6th grade to 7th grade. Two years ago the board had to eliminate 6 middle school teachers in order to stay within the budget. The team that was eliminated needs to be restored due to class size. This budget proposes the addition of a math, science, and English/Social Studies teacher. In addition, an educational psychologist must be added at the elementary level, due to the number of at-risk and special needs students at that level. Currently one psychologist services two elementary schools, or approximately 900 students. Finally, the kindergarten numbers at Montowese School require the addition of a 1st grade teacher. The district has need for a Reading Consultant and Guidance Counselor at the high school, as well as additional English as a Second Language support for the middle and high schools. These positions will be funded through attrition if possible.

The textbook account will require $19,178 less because the district is not adopting new texts this year and has budgeted for replacement copies of lost or damaged texts. The instructional supply account includes funding for the science replacement materials at all grade levels, the elementary health curriculum consumables, required graphing calculators, and other needed materials. This budget requests that field trip funding and library books and periodicals be returned to their original funding level of $4.00 per child for field trips and $15.00 per child for library books and periodicals. We have not fully funded these two accounts during the past 4 years, and it has limited opportunities for our students.

The special education budget continues to account for approximately 22% of this budget. However, when compared to other towns in our DRG, our per pupil expenditure is one of the least expensive (see p. 26). There are currently 51 students with disabilities placed in private special education facilities Of the 51 out-placed special needs students, 5 of these students have been placed in residential facilities by the Department of Children and Families (DCF). One of the five students are classified as "no-nexus" meaning that there is no other District that can be identified as educationally responsible. Therefore, by virtue of the fact that the group home is in North Haven, the District has become responsible for the educational program and the costs associated with that program. The proposed budget plans for 51 out-placed students.

The cost of oil has risen by 15.9%, or $87,788, but electricity shows a 0% increase due to the Town Finance Director and the Superintendent utilizing the services of the Connecticut Council of Municipalities (CCM) and its bidding consortium and consultants to establish a contractual basis for power generation costs for the next 4 years. It is important to note that delivery costs will continue to be through the United Illuminating Company.

Other line items showing significant increases include the grounds and repairs accounts. These increases are due to the fields coming on-line for the high school, and an attempt to increase the repairs accounts to more accurately represent recent history. For example, the 430Z -Other Repairs accounts increases by $47,700 to bring the total to 247,700. A look at the past three years spending shows the actual average expenditure has been $320,000 per year.

The Equipment accounts show an increase of $232,872. This is the first time in the past 4 years that we have budgeted for new equipment. The majority of the request is for technology improvements at the middle and elementary schools. For instance, 730B- Instructional Equipment Replacement budgets for replacement computers for elementary school teachers for their outdated and non-functioning computers. It also includes replacement printers.

The Board of Education's requested budget preserves and advances the quality of education in the North Haven Public Schools, yet is responsive to the taxpayer's plea for fiscal responsibility.