Hot Topic: The proposed $22.76 million budget represents a 3% spending increase for the seven-town Woodstoock area school district known as the Windsor Central Unified Union School District. If approved, it will result in education spending of $18,800 per equalized pupil.
The proposed budget is up $654,000 from the amount that voters approved last year. Much of the increase — $260,000 — is tied to special education spending.
The budget includes $32,000 for a nurse’s position at The Prosper Valley School in Pomfret. After closing in 2018 due to mold contamination, the elementary school is scheduled to reopen this fall.
Contested Races: In Pomfret, Robert Crean and John Peters Jr. are vying for a three-year seat. Incumbent Bob Coates is not seeking re-election. Bill Overbay, who currently serves on the School Board, is running unopposed.
In Bridgewater, incumbents Sarah Adams and Matthew Hough are running unopposed. Barnard’s Bryce Sammel, chair of the 18-member board, also isn’t facing any opposition. In Woodstock, Kerri Bristow and Julian Underwood are in uncontested races.
When and where: An informational hearing via Zoom is scheduled for Thursday, starting at 6:30 p.m. See the school district’s website, wcsu.net, for a link. Voting by Australian ballot will be held on Tuesday, March 2, at Barnard Town Hall,10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Plymouth Municipal Building, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Bridgewater Town Clerk’s Office, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Pomfret Town Offices, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Killington Town Hall, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Reading Town Hall, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.; and Woodstock Town Hall, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
—Jim Kenyon