Members of the public had the opportunity to ask questions and comment regarding Region 4’s (R4) proposed fiscal year 2020–’21 (FY 21) $21.16 million budget at a public hearing and special Board of Education (BOE) meeting, held remotely by Google Meet, on April 1.

At $21,163,741, the R4 BOE budget request represents a $591,066 or 2.87 percent increase over current spending.

In opening the meeting, BOE Chair Kate Sandmann acknowledged changes in how the R4 BOE was holding a public hearing and how it will pass its FY 21 budget, as a result of safety precautions instituted by the State of Connecticut during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“It’s unusual and difficult to have a public hearing via Google meet,” said Sandmann.

She said that the FY 21 budget will not be approved by statutory town referendum, but at a special meeting of the R4 BOE on April 21, when its members will cast their votes on the budget.

The timeline for the process was agreed upon after engaging the first selectmen of Chester, Deep River, and Essex.

Regional boards of education were given the power to adopt a FY 21 budget in this manner under Governor Ned Lamont’s Executive Order 7I, issued on March 21, along with order 7B, issued March 14. Requirements of these orders include that the BOE publicize the proposed budget and allow members of the public the opportunity to comment, whether at a meeting held remotely or by email.

“We’ve made every effort to engage the community,” said Sandmann before asking Superintendent of Schools Brian White to speak.

White provided callers with the grand total of the FY 21 R4 budget, stating that the budget was developed based on feedback from a series of budget workshops held earlier this year.

He also stated that there was no new information to share since presenting the FY 21 budget at the R4 BOE’s March 5 meeting and referred callers to a detailed budget report, posted on the BOE website www.reg4.k12.ct.us.

Before opening the meeting to public comment, he reminded R4 BOE members and the public that “what we have committed to in the budget development process is to publish a [Frequently Asked Questions] document that is a written response to any questions proposed by way of public audience.”

The document, which will be posted on the R4 District’s website, will answer questions from both the public and board members on all FY 21 educational budgets in the district.

Once those who dialed into the meeting by telephone were taken off mute, they had the opportunity to speak and ask questions.

Several members of the public raised questions on topics ranging from line items and final student headcounts to the impact of a budget increase on potentially strained local economies due to COVID-19.

“You guys did these budgets back before we had this coronavirus crisis,” said Susan Wright of Chester. “How in your mind do you see this changing your view of even having any kind of an increase? My feeling is talking to a lot of people and small businesses that any kind of increase anywhere…is going to be very hard for them.”

Wright also addressed the changed budget process.

“I’m upset that I am not allowed to vote,” she said. “That is the only way that I can voice my opinion…That is the only time that I, as a resident, can have input.”

Madeline Meyer of Chester asked the R4 BOE to reconsider the almost three-percent increase.

“I beg you that you look at your numbers again and not to do a three percent increase, not even a one percent increase,” said Meyer. “I don’t know where you’re going to find the numbers to cut, but look, look, look and try. These are extremely unusual times…Try to be unusual and find those cuts.”

Other callers asked for financial information that could inform the budget process moving forward, such as the FY 19 financial audit.

“Without knowing the results of what the audit will show...if there is a deficit then the towns might have some level of responsibility,” said Richard Strauss of Chester. “How will that be built into the process?”

Comments or questions related to the R4 BOE proposed FY 21 budget can be emailed to Jennifer Bryan at jbryan@reg4.k12.ct.us.