Community Corner
Collaboration With Town 'A Top Priority' in School Board's Upcoming Budget
Members of the Board of education approved their list of priorities for the upcoming budget Thursday, kicking off budget season with a focus on finding ways to share services between town departments and the school district.
If there is one thing that will be essential in continuing to weather the economic storm and keep Southington's schools moving in the right direction, members of the Board of Education said it lies in a collaboration between the Town of Southington and school district.
Partnering to share services and resources will stand as "a top priority" entering budget discussion as members of the school board passed their annual assumptions and priorities document, kicking off the 2014-15 budget season.
"Over the past several years, we've really made progress in collaborating to share resources and save the taxpayers money," School Superintendent Joseph V. Erardi Jr. said. "It's something we need to continue to expand on."
Brian Goralski, chairman of the Southington Board of Education, said he looks forward to what the budget discussions will bring.
He said there are a lot of resources and efforts that could be shared, such as having a joint personnel department or collaborating on town-wide technology efforts to enhance existing infrastructure at less cost to taxpayers.
He said for now, however, the board needs to let town and school staff work together to find the most effective ways to collaborate.
The Board of Education passed the following list of priorities on Thursday.
1. Support funding for appropriate class sizes at all levels of instruction.
2. Update all instructional materials for teachers and students as required through the curriculum renewal cycle for the current school year.
3. Continue funding for media centers and classroom resources for literacy.
4. Continue funding for expansion and sustainability of technology with access and equality for all students.
5. Continued commitment to the district's long-term plan (Vision 2020) that includes a strong professional development initiative. Support funding for a prioritized joint Capital Plan between the Board of Education and town of Southington.
6. Continue to pursue opportunities of shared services between the Board of Education and all town departments.
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