Politics & Government

Bethel Board of Education Presents 2011-12 Budget, Includes 2.21 Percent Increase

Full-Day Kindergarten Program a key component of putting together budget proposal.

On Thursday, Feb. 3, Superintendent Dr. Gary Chesley presented the 2011-12 Bethel School District budget to the Board of Education. While Chesley acknowledged the Board of Finance's zero percent increase recommendation, next year’s proposed budget includes an increase of 2.21 percent.

The budget itself includes a 3.38 percent increase, but the plan also includes using $476,994 from the federal Education Jobs Funding program, reducing the increase to that number.

 “We feel that this budget is sensitive to the economic time and deserves the support of the Bethel community,” Chesley said. “…It’s our hope that this budget will be studied carefully for what it can give and not just for numbers on a page.”

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The previous academic year had a $36,567,417 budget and the increased proposal seeks $37,504,875 (a difference of nearly $940,000).

Cheseley said the proposed budget would not only help maintain Bethel’s schools academic excellence and the investment to taxpayers, but that it would also help the district overcome challenges facing special education, learning gaps and keeping jobs.

Find out what's happening in Bethelwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Director of Fiscal Services Theresa Yonsky explained that the Bethel School District spends the majority of the budget, about 84 percent, on salaries and benefits for teachers and administrators.

“Does that make sense? It absolutely makes sense. Here at Bethel Public Schools people equal programs and programs equal people,” Yonsky said.

When it comes to teaching tools, Yonsky said Bethel schools will continue the shift form “instructional supplies to technology supplies.” Chesley also emphasized the importance of technology/future-focused programs that support academic achievement at Bethel schools.

One particular new program Chesley said he wanted the Board of Education to pay attention to, was funding full-day kindergarten at the Berry and Rockwell elementary schools.

Dr. Janice Jordan, associate superintendent, said one of the main reasons the district is pushing for a full-day program was because the current two and half hour program doesn’t allow enough time for students to meet federal and state academic standards. Jordan also said a full-day program would help close the large learning gap between some of the districts youngest students.

 “What shocked me was that 25 percent of incoming Bethel kindergarten students didn’t attend a pre-kindergarten program,” Jordan said. “We’re lucky enough to have very experienced kindergarten teachers, who have told me publically and privately that we can’t rush kids and that we need more time.”

Jordan said those kindergarten students who are behind not only fail to meet academic requirements, but also lack social and emotional skills that are needed in the classroom.

Chesley concluded the proposal by saying the board will “continue and reallocate resources by seeking cost cutting opportunities.” Chesley also gave a “disaster scenario” in case the state gives the Bethel School District less funds than expected. In that case, which Chesley said was unlikely, the board will ask for a 5.31 percent increase.

The Board of Education will have time to review the budget, which will also need final approval from the Board of Finance. Chairman Lawrence Craybas said the budget schedule is behind due to weather canceling previous meetings and that the official presentation to the Board of Finance may be rescheduled for a later date.


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