Update for Wednesday February 10th

Wednesday, February 10^th Update

The BOE adopted its budget at 6.87%.   The First Selectman has asked for a reduction of 850K, resulting in the mitigation strategy of the closing of Chalk Hill School for the fall becoming a reality.  With the closing a school, all options have been considered for reconfiguration of the district.  Data from an updated transportation analysis has been completed precluding the establishment of the Early Childhood Learning Center at the high school.   Kindergarten students would have to get picked up too early, come home too late, or it would just cost too much to put in place.  Planning is now underway for the 5^th grades to remain in the three elementary schools and for the 8^th grade to move to Masuk.

This comprehensive work will involve addressing numerous issues that relate to the day-to-day lives of all our students.  There will be new information posted on a regular basis on the district website on the Supt. Blog at http://www.monroeps.org/superblog.aspx.  You are invited to submit questions regarding the budget and its impact on the district to superintendent ”AT” monroeps.org.  Each email will be acknowledged and questions will be answered globally on the Supt. Blog on a timely basis.

Also, frequent messages are being sent out by Superintendent Palmer on Twitter at http://twitter.com/SuptPalmer, and each Thursday you can read the Superintendent’s column in the Monroe Courier.

The BOE proposed budget, as part of the town budget is reviewed by the Town Council.  Next stop will be the Board of Finance [BOF] budget hearings and workshops.    The BOF may reduce the budget further.  Please stay involved and informed. 

Important dates for upcoming BOF meetings:  budget hearing on Feb. 23^rd at 7:00 p.m., and two education budget workshops on March 3^rd and 10^th also at 7:00 p.m. – all at Town Hall.