Bethany Board of Education Meeting April 13

A brief summary of what was discussed at last night's meeting for those who want to know what's happening in town, but can't make it to the meetings.

• The Bethany Board of Education has successfully managed to produce a budget with a zero percent increase for the 2011-2012 year. The board had originally presented a budget with an increase of about 1.4 percent to the board of finance, which then asked if it could be reduced even further. Several factors came into play that brought the numbers down. First, a teacher is voluntarily leaving the school system, which means a first grade teacher will not be cut (just reassigned,) saving on unemployment compensation payments. Second, negotiations for a reduced benefits package have been favorable. Third, the board opted to adjust the amount of funds in their collective bargaining accounts.
• The finance committee announced that despite snow removal costs, as of March the school had a $31,000 projected savings against the budgeted amount.
• With election season here, the policy committee brought an issue to the table with regards to board of education members making public comments to the media that might be misconstrued as being the opinion of the entire BOE. The board debated the wording and gave their suggestions to the committee, which will rework it and present it at another meeting.
• The communications committee has set the date for the Spring Open Forum for May 4, 6:30 p.m., in the school library. This is an opportunity for community members to bring their list of questions to the board before the town budget vote.