Budget Season 2016 – Board of Finance Hearing February 3

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Please come to a Public Hearing with the Board of Finance on Wednesday, February 3 at 7pm at City Hall.

Comments will be heard from any citizen regarding the Mayor’s proposed budget; comments regarding the Board of Education budget will be heard immediately following. Don’t miss this opportunity to support our schools.

The Board of Finance is composed of five individuals appointed by the Mayor. They are charged with reviewing all budgets for city departments as well as the Board of Education.  The Board of Finance may make changes to the the Board of Education budget as they prepare their Recommended Budget and send it on to the Board of Alderman for approval.  If budget cuts are made by the Board of Finance, only a two-thirds majority of the Board of Aldermen can restore funding.

This is an important time to show your support and ask our city to fully fund the Board of Education budget.

Background on the 2016-2017 Budget

The 2016-2017 budget for Milford Public Schools was presented by Dr Feser in January, and after a series of budget workshops was unanimously approved by the Board of Education on January 20.

According to Dr Feser, this year’s budget “sustains and strengthens curriculum, programs and initiatives”. Highlights include:
new Pre-K Half-Day program at Pumpkin Delight;
– new Computer Science Career Pathway Initiative for grades 6-12
a new Language Lab at East Shore Middle School;
– Curriculum/Assessment Writing ELA, Math, Science, Social Studies;
Social and Emotional Curriculum (research and beginning development)
NEASC Accreditation Process in the Spring of 2017 for Jonathan Law High School
– a additional School Resource Officer to increase coverage in the Middle Schools
– Additional buses to accommodate shorter walking distances
The total budget increase is is .835 – the smallest increase proposed by a superintendent in 12 years.

Here are links for more information

Budget information from Milford Public Schools

Minutes and Budget Questions from Board of Education Budget Workshops

Board of Education Meetings on You Tube

We hope to see you February 3.   Come and support our schools and meet your fellow Milford Ed Advocates.  If you cannot come to the hearing you may submit written testimony by giving it to someone who can present it at the hearing on your behalf.  You may also email your testimony to us at milfordedadvocates@gmail.com.  We will print and bring all testimony with us to the hearing on February 3.