Regional School District 17 Board of Education Budget Referendum Report

Overview of the 2025-2026 Budget Referendum

On July 8, 2025, Regional School District 17 (RSD17) will hold its third referendum concerning the 2025-2026 School Annual Gross Budget, totaling $51,348,789. This represents a 3.07% increase ($1,530,760) from the previous year. The budget will be apportioned between the towns of Haddam (59.16%) and Killingworth (40.84%), based on the student enrollment of 1,719 as of October 1, 2024. Voting will occur at all regular local polling locations with absentee ballots available until the referendum date.

For detailed budget information, refer to the official documents:

• Budget Progress Presentation
• Proposed FY26 Budget

Major Budget Increases and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Alignment

1. Salaries and Benefits
   • Total salaries amount to $25,521,981, an increase of $1,385,578.
   • Staffing adjustments include a net increase of 0.4 certified staff after reductions in previous years.
   • Health insurance premiums are expected to rise by $129,794.
   • SDG Alignment: Supports SDG 4 (Quality Education) by investing in qualified staff and SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) through health benefits.
2. Transportation
   • Final year of a three-year contract with a 5% rate increase, totaling $4,742,033.
   • Includes compliance with McKinney-Vento federal service requirements and increased special education transportation.
   • SDG Alignment: Promotes SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) by ensuring equitable access to education through transportation services.
3. Special Education Tuition
   • Increase of $298,029 due to changing student needs, totaling $3,283,371.
   • SDG Alignment: Advances SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) by addressing diverse learning requirements.
4. Debt Service and Long-Term Investments
   • $1.4 million invested in elementary schools and HKIMS for security upgrades, furniture replacement, and infrastructure improvements.
   • Includes $893,500 for debt service on 2018 building improvements.
   • SDG Alignment: Supports SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) through facility enhancements.

Budget Adjustments Through Referendum Process

The Board of Education has progressively reduced the proposed budget increase from 5.49% to 3.07% through three referenda by implementing the following measures:

• First Referendum (May 6, 2025): Reduced increase to 4.88% by cutting audit services, salary contingency, emergency repairs, health insurance, and supplies.
• Second Referendum (June 6, 2025): Further reduced increase to 3.98% by decreasing reserve fund contributions, insurance costs, retiree payouts, equipment, and supplies.
• Third Referendum (July 8, 2025): Final reduction to 3.07% by lowering expenses in telecommunications, professional services, utilities, supplies, and staff positions.

Administrative Expenditure and Efficiency

Over 92% of the budget is allocated directly to school-based student support, with the remaining 8% dedicated to essential administrative services that ensure compliance, operational efficiency, and support for educational goals.

Key Administrative Roles and Responsibilities

• Superintendent: Provides leadership, policy development, budget management, personnel oversight, community engagement, compliance, and advocacy.
• Assistant Superintendent: Oversees Human Resources, supports labor relations, recruitment, staff evaluations, and contributes to instructional quality and operational efficiency.
• Director of Student Services: Manages special education, counseling, mental health, and student support services ensuring equity and compliance.
• Curriculum Coordinators (STEM and Humanities): Align curriculum with state standards, support instructional coaching, and promote academic achievement.
• Finance and Operations Team: Includes Director of Finance and Operations, Comptroller, Facilities Manager, and Technology and Data Manager, responsible for financial management, facilities maintenance, technology infrastructure, and data compliance.

SDG Alignment: These roles support SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), and SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions) by fostering effective governance and quality learning environments.

Salary Increases and Strategic Staffing

The 5.74% salary increase reflects:

• Strategic investments in paraeducators and behavior technicians to enhance inclusive education and mental health support.
• New and previously unbudgeted positions including security and finance support.
• Contractual salary adjustments ranging from 2.5% to 4%, including longevity and educational advancement.
• Efforts to maintain competitive compensation aligned with comparable districts.

SDG Alignment: Supports SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) by investing in qualified, well-supported staff.

Cost Efficiency and Student Outcomes

• Net Expenditure per Pupil (NEP) in RSD17 is $25,947, which is lower than neighboring districts, indicating efficient use of resources.
• District Performance Index (DPI) for 2023-24 shows ELA proficiency at 72.4% and Math proficiency at 70.4%, both above state averages.
• SDG Alignment: Reflects commitment to SDG 4 (Quality Education) by balancing fiscal responsibility with academic excellence.

Enrollment and Funding Distribution

Enrollment shifts affect budget assessments:

• Haddam’s share decreased to 59.16% with 1,017 students; Killingworth’s increased to 40.84% with 702 students.
• Historical data shows fluctuating enrollment shares over two decades.
• Demographic studies predict stable enrollment with a slight future increase.

SDG Alignment: Supports SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) by ensuring equitable funding based on student population.

Class Sizes by School and Grade

• Burr Elementary School: Kindergarten 14.25, First 16, Second 19.5, Third 20.25
• Killingworth Elementary School: PreK 10.6, Kindergarten 14, First 16.33, Second 17.33, Third 21.67
• Haddam Killingworth Intermediate School: Fourth 22, Fifth 24.67
• Haddam Killingworth Middle School: Sixth 23, Seventh 21.5, Eighth 19.38
• Haddam Killingworth High School: Ninth 97, Tenth 120, Eleventh 126, Twelfth 125 (total class sizes by year)

SDG Alignment: Supports SDG 4 (Quality Education) by maintaining manageable class sizes to enhance learning outcomes.

Additional Information

• The school budget referendum is separate from the Master Plan/HKHS project referendum.
• Each referendum costs approximately $5,000-$7,000 per town.
• For questions on the impact of the school budget on other town services, consult the respective Boards of Finance.

Conclusion

The RSD17 2025-2026 budget referendum reflects a strategic, transparent approach to resource allocation that prioritizes quality education, equity, and operational efficiency. The budget aligns with multiple Sustainable Development Goals, including Quality Education (SDG 4), Reduced Inequalities (SDG 10), Good Health and Well-being (SDG 3), and Strong Institutions (SDG 16). The Board of Education continues to balance fiscal responsibility with the commitment to provide an inclusive, supportive, and high-performing educational environment for all students in the district.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected to the Issues Highlighted in the Article

1. SDG 4: Quality Education
   • The article focuses on the school district budget, staffing, student support services, curriculum coordination, and educational outcomes, all directly related to ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education.
2. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • Special education, mental health, counseling, and student support services mentioned in the article relate to promoting well-being and mental health for students.
3. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
   • Discussion of staff salaries, benefits, and employment conditions reflects the goal of promoting decent work and fair compensation for educators and staff.
4. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • Investments in school infrastructure, safety upgrades, and transportation services contribute to building resilient and sustainable communities.
5. SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
   • Emphasis on transparency, compliance with laws, and community engagement aligns with building effective, accountable institutions.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Identified Based on the Article’s Content

1. SDG 4: Quality Education
   • Target 4.1: Ensure that all girls and boys complete free, equitable and quality primary and secondary education.
   • Target 4.5: Eliminate gender disparities and ensure equal access to all levels of education and vocational training for vulnerable populations, including persons with disabilities.
   • Target 4.c: Increase the supply of qualified teachers through recruitment, training, and retention strategies.
2. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • Target 3.4: Promote mental health and well-being.
   • Target 3.8: Achieve universal health coverage, including access to quality essential health-care services.
3. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
   • Target 8.5: Achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men, including equal pay for work of equal value.
   • Target 8.8: Protect labor rights and promote safe and secure working environments.
4. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • Target 11.2: Provide access to safe, affordable, accessible and sustainable transport systems for all.
   • Target 11.7: Provide universal access to safe, inclusive and accessible green and public spaces, including schools.
5. SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
   • Target 16.6: Develop effective, accountable and transparent institutions at all levels.
   • Target 16.7: Ensure responsive, inclusive, participatory and representative decision-making.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied in the Article to Measure Progress Towards the Identified Targets

1. SDG 4 Indicators
   • District Performance Index (DPI) for ELA and Math proficiency rates (e.g., 72.4% ELA proficiency vs. 63.9% statewide average).
   • Student enrollment numbers and Average Daily Membership (ADM) to track access and participation.
   • Student to dollar ratio or Net Expenditure per Pupil ($25,947) to assess resource allocation efficiency.
   • Number and qualifications of certified teachers and staff (e.g., all teaching positions filled on the first day).
   • Class sizes by grade and school to monitor learning environment quality.
2. SDG 3 Indicators
   • Availability and expansion of mental health, counseling, and special education services (e.g., Registered Behavior Technician positions).
   • Budget allocation increases for health insurance and student support services.
3. SDG 8 Indicators
   • Salary increases and contractual agreements reflecting fair compensation (e.g., 5.74% salary increase).
   • Staff retention and recruitment success rates (e.g., all positions filled on first day).
4. SDG 11 Indicators
   • Investments in school infrastructure such as security camera upgrades, furniture replacement, and facility maintenance.
   • Transportation costs and contract renewals reflecting access to safe and reliable transport.
5. SDG 16 Indicators
   • Budget transparency and community engagement through referenda and public FAQs.
   • Compliance with state and federal laws and reporting requirements.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: hk-now.com