The Guilford Board of Education (BOE) approved a proposed budget for the 2013-'14 fiscal year, but not before reducing Superintendent of Schools Paul Freeman's initial spending request.

The board approved $54,491,186, an increase of $1,577,294 or 2.98 percent over the current year's budget of $52,913,892. Freeman's budget had requested an increase of 3.39 percent totaling $54,709,186.

Decision drivers for the increase included the development of more special education programs, the implementations of new state requirements for the new teacher and principal evaluations, and the addition of the Common Core Connecticut State Standards, which will take effect in fall 2013.

Freeman initially propose an increase in overall staffing by 5 ½ positions and a decrease of 2.3 positions. After consideration, the BOE reduced three of the new paraprofessionals the school leader requested, resulting in an $89,000 savings.

"The BOE believed that current staffing would be sufficient," BOE Chairman William "Bill" Bloss said.

Other items the BOE cut from Freeman's proposal include $25,000 from savings in the district's bus contract, adding $75,000 versus $100,000 to the site line improvements line item; and a reduction of a new administrative position, a special education coordinator, from full time to part time, saving $54,000.

Despite the cuts, Bloss explained the programs introduced in Freeman's budget presentation are crucial to the school system.

"We are proceeding with everything else that he requested, most notably increasing the in-district autism program Bright Connections, which has been very successful; planning for an alternative high school in cooperation with Madison and Clinton; improved technology training; and two literacy coaches at Baldwin Middle School," the board chairman said.

Full-day kindergarten, which has been requested in the past by members of the public, was not considered in this budget because Freeman said it would increase the budget by more than one percent.

The same evening the BOE approved its proposed budget, the Guilford Board of Selectman also approved a town budget for 2013-'14 of $30,878,098, which is a 1.96 percent increase, or $594,681 over the current year.

Both budgets are subject to change by the Board of Finance, which is holding a budget public hearing on Tuesday, March 5 and a budget workshop meeting on Thursday, March 7, both at 7:30 p.m. and at the Community Center. The budget will then go before the town's electorate.

To view documents in detail regarding the BOE budget for the next fiscal year, head to the Guilford Public Schools website at www.guilfordk12.ct.us.