Did you know…The 2017-18 school budget has one final hurdle for approval? Over the break the Board of Finance voted to approve next year’s school budget as proposed by the Board of Education. The total budget is $95,874,776 which is a 2.16% increase over this year and the lowest increase we have seen in over a decade.
On May 8th the RTM will be the final vote and it is critical for parents to make our voices heard before then. There are some within the RTM who oppose the budget or initiatives within the budget. If you want to see these proposals become realities reach out to your elected officials and express your support. This list of RTM members is organized by district. We encourage you to contact the representatives in your district and express your thoughts about the budget or the proposals contained within. (Not sure what district you’re in? Click here.)
The proposed 2017-18 School Budget includes some significant initiatives intended to dramatically improve the experiences of our children. If you aren’t already up to speed on these initiatives, we encourage you to watch this video of Superintendent Dr. Dan Brenner explaining them to parents at a recent meeting at Darien High School. You can also review his presentation by clicking here. The entire budget is available here.
The key budget proposals this year include:
- Expanding the DHS cafeteria to provide seating for all DHS students in a safe and welcoming environment
- Continuing the rollout of 1:1 technology including iPads for students at the High School in addition to the Chromebooks at the elementary schools and MMS
- The addition of Department Chairs in our secondary schools to provide consistency, smoother transitions and to foster creativity and innovation in our classrooms
- Implementation of the Fitch Academy, a DHS program focused on a targeted population, prioritizing the emotional needs of the students while delivering personalized, interdisciplinary instruction
- Continued investment in professional development for our teachers in elementary literacy and math, special education, SRBI and differentiation of instruction in all grade levels
You can make a difference. Please take a moment and email your RTM members to ask them to support this budget.
If you have any questions about the 2017-18 BOE Budget or the approval process please contact your PTO Co-Chairs: Antoinette Cowles and Leila Buckjune.