The proposed operational budget of $48,965,106 for 2022-’23 that Superintendent of Schools Erica Forti presented to the Board of Education in February marks a 1.9 percent increased over the 2021-’22 approved budget of $48,044,271.

“This is a responsible request, which supports contractual salary and benefit increases as well as maintaining special education tuition costs,” Forti noted in her presentation. “It sustains educational, athletic, and enrichment programming. We identified and removed budget excesses to realize new opportunities for growth and it maintains our commitment to operational and facility care and maintenance.”

East Haven Public Schools (EHPS) has an enrollment of 2,955 students, which not only includes all students in pre-K to 12th grade, but 410 students attending magnet schools and 55 outplaced special education students. With enrollment steadily climbing, staffing needs have also risen with 312 certified staff and 285 non-certified staff for the current school year compared to 288 certified and 281 non-certified in 2019-’20.

As a result, the proposed budget includes an increase in staff salaries, as well as a 7.3 percent increase for employee benefits. Staff salaries (57 percent) and employee benefits (19 percent) account for 76 percent of the proposed operational budget at $1.08 million.

With 6 retiring and 10 resigning, EHPS is anticipating a savings of $400,000 as it hires new staff to fill the positions. The estimate of the state-mandated Municipal Employee Retirement Fund increased from 19 percent to 22 percent for all eligible employees. This rate is set every year by an actuarial committee at the state and subject to significant variation.

“We have all felt the impact of the pandemic. Simply put, the disruptions occasioned by the pandemic have resulted in academic learning gaps and emotional needs previously unimaginable. The proposed budget supports the resources and programming we have put into place to address those gaps and needs,” said Forti. “The disruption notwithstanding, the budget ensures our schools remain a place where our students can learn, grow, and enjoy a well-rounded educational experience. While our primary focus continues to concentrate on student achievement through competitive academic programming, the budget both sustains and expands extracurricular interests and specialized services, as well as social and emotional learning.”

The Other Purchased Services category, which includes transportation, tuition, special education services, phone/Internet services, and printing/binding, is the largest category after staffing costs, accounting for 16 percent of the proposed budget. The 2022-’23 budget request in that category is $7,902,450, a one percent increase from the current budget.

A 4.5 percent increase ($20,721) was requested for purchased professional services, which includes things such as attorney fees, audit fees, athletic officials, sports liability insurance, and special education services.

“We are proud to open our buildings, facilities, and grounds year-round to local groups, teams, and organizations, as well as for special town events,” said Forti. “We understand, and take seriously, our role as a resource to bring our community together. The budget includes allowance for that as well.”

The 2022-’23 proposed budget now will go to a budget workshop with the Board of Finance. The subcommittee will meet on Monday, March 14 at 6:30 p.m. at the Senior Center, 91 Taylor Avenue.

“At EHPS, we’re driven by a single mission: that all students, upon graduation, are college or career-ready,” said Forti. “In short, the budget we are requesting ensures that we have the resources to maintain our schools as a haven for a rich educational experience and bright future for our students, as well as a wealth of opportunities for our community.”

For the full proposed budget, visit east-haven.k12.ct.us.