Springfield residents, you voted no on our proposed budget in March, and we have listened.
We know Vermont education funding is confusing & seeing an increased overall budget on the ballot is concerning. The increase is due to additional grant funding received, but reflects a purposeful decision: using available federal funds to strengthen our schools, instead of additional cuts that could limit student opportunity. We did this to reduce the local taxpayer burden but make investments in student success. This results in a net budget increase of $207,861 and decrease in per-pupil spending of $181.
You asked what has been done to improve student outcomes. This past year, the district focused on three key priorities: literacy, instructional framework, and professional support and growth. The FY27 budget continues this work.
Bottom line, we have reduced expenses by $367,139 and received an additional $575,000 in federal funding. The budget that is now being voted on:
•Contains expenditures of a 0.99% increase over this current year (half the 1.96% increase that was in the March budget, and less than 1/3 of the current inflation rate of 3.3%.)
•Reduces per-pupil spending to $15,008 ($181 decrease from the March budget.) This is also below the state excess spending threshold and below most of our neighbors.
•Builds on the foundation that was started this year to strengthen Springfield Schools.
We believe in our schools, our students and our staff. Strong schools are essential to a strong Springfield, they are the future of our community and we are committed to that work.
Come see us on April 30th in the Springfield High School Cafeteria (Community Event at 4:30pm, Budget Information Session at 6pm)
Please join us and vote on May 5.