WALLINGFORD - Short budget, but could be worse (education budget)

As published in the Record Journal on Sunday April 7, 2013

By Eric Vo
Record-Journal staff
evo@record-journal.com
(203) 317-2235
Twitter:@ericvoRJ

WALLINGFORD - It’s been several years since Mayor William W. Dickinson Jr.’s proposed budget cut such a small amount from the education budget. If the Town Council approves Dickinson’s budget, School Superintendent Salvatore Menzo and the Board of Education would be short $508,319 from what was initially proposed.

“It is by far one of the smallest discrepancies from what we asked for and what we’ve received,” said Board of Education Chairwoman Roxane McKay. “I’m very appreciative and I think it reflects the fact that the mayor recognizes we are doing some interesting and innovative things.”

After going line-by-line through Menzo’s budget, the board proposed an increase of $3,192,193 – or 3.56 percent – to the Town Council.

Dickinson’s proposal of 2.99 percent covers $1,960,606 and includes the allotment of $723,268 from Connecticut Resources Recovery Authority funds for school security upgrades and school code mandates.

Menzo said he was also grateful for what Dickinson proposed and he believes it’s because “he appreciates what we’re trying to do for the students in Wallingford.”

Board members and Menzo said they couldn’t remember the last time the cut was so small, but McKay said she hasn’t seen “a discrepancy this low since I’ve been on the board, and I’ve been through eight budgets.”

Although he would like to see the education budget get more money, board member Michael Votto said he was satisfied with the mayor’s proposal.

“I don’t feel like we ask for an exorbitant amount of money, we’re very careful,” Votto said. “(The mayor) knows we’re pretty sound with what we’re coming up with and that there’s no hidden money anywhere. It’s a legitimate budget.”

The budget the board sent to the Town Council “focused on the needs of our students, rather than arbitrary wants and desires,” Menzo said. Both he and McKay said Dickinson’s proposed budget shows the relationship the Board of Education has with not only the Town Council, but also with the mayor.

If the Town Council does approve Dickinson’s budget and make no further cuts, McKay said it was too early for the board to discuss how they would make up the $508,319 shortfall.

Those discussions will come some time in May or June – when board members know exactly what the Town Council decides on, she said.

No matter what the Town Council decides to do, Menzo said he’s focused on doing what’s best for his staff and the students.

“We’re very thankful and focused on making Wallingford as great of a school district as possible,” Menzo said.