On Thursday, Feb. 29, the Wilton Board of Education voted and approved the Superintendent’s revised 2024-2025 budget proposal of $93,540,759 representing a 4.88% increase over this current year’s school budget. 

Since the first school budget proposal in January, representing a 5.56% increase, the district and board has been working hard to find additional budget savings outside of staff and programs. Through bus rerouting, technology leasing, the temporary consolidation of a coaching vacancy, and other non-labor reductions, the Board of Education budget is $599,344 less than the original proposal. Importantly, this budget restores essential programs affected by previous years of budget reductions, maintains current programs and staff, and will accomplish our educational commitment to students, families, and the larger community. 

While every year brings with it budget challenges, this year is particularly difficult because of substantial non-education tax pressures. Property revaluations and the new Moody’s requirements for triple AAA bond ratings combined with commercial real estate values and continued high vacancies will represent the majority of factors increasing our property taxes. Navigating these headwinds has not been easy, and I’d like to thank the Board of Finance and Chair Matt Raimondi for their partnership throughout the entire budget process. I look forward to continuing to work together as we bring forward this proposal to them and the town and find a balance between our values and expectations with our funding resources and obligations.

In times like this, it is important to pull together as a community to support our educational commitments, and not further sacrifice our education assets and resources, which are a main driver of our town’s value. Our schools serve as the heart of our community, and we take immense pride in our commitment to education. Our mission is to inspire and prepare all students to make meaningful contributions in a globally interdependent society. We actively advance values our community holds dear: ensuring student safety and wellness, fostering joy in teaching and learning, personalizing instruction, nurturing productive partnerships with students and families, and providing challenging and authentic learning experiences. The budget is a monetary expression of our mission and values; it pays for both performance and opportunity in Wilton and beyond.

Despite recent budget constraints, the district has witnessed remarkable student growth and achievement. Our commitment to preparing students for success in college, careers, and life surpasses that of most educational institutions. Each line item in this budget has undergone rigorous scrutiny, reflecting the thoughtful judgment of our Superintendent and the Board of Education. The budget strategically allocates resources, restoring and sustaining achievements and investments. 

This budget puts us back on track and ensures the continuity of our programs by:

  • restoring clubs, like debate, to full-time operations
  • maintaining current class size
  • keeping our commitment to professional and curriculum development
  • strengthening our overall educational program by deepening the implementation of the acceleration framework and Portrait of a Graduate, and implementing STEM initiatives
  • supporting continuous improvement initiatives, such as thinking classrooms
  • promoting student well-being and social-emotional learning
  • fulfilling our commitment to special education while managing rising costs

I ask you to support the Board of Education’s proposed budget and engage with the Board of Finance in the weeks and months ahead. Express your values and preferences: attend meetings, share your thoughts by email, and complete the Board of Finance survey when it becomes available.

The Board of Finance budget discussions begin next week on Wednesday, March 13 at 7:30 p.m. at the Comstock Community Center. The Public Hearing on the Board of Education Budget is on Wednesday, March 20 at 7 p.m. in the Middlebrook Auditorium. Following the Public Hearing, the Board of Finance will continue its budget deliberations on April 2, 3 and 4 at 7:30 p.m. at the Comstock Community Center. The Board of Finance deliberations will culminate with a vote and budget recommendations to the Annual Town Meeting (ATM) on Tuesday, May 7, with adjourned voting continuing on Saturday, May 11. 

Thank you Wilton for your support and commitment to education and our shared future.