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03/02/2023 12:00 AMHamlet Hernandez
Superintendent of Branford Public Schools
This year’s proposed Branford Public Schools budget positions our system in a safe harbor as we emerge from several years of challenge and prepare to welcome a new superintendent in July and to implement an updated strategic coherence plan.
Throughout the budget process, we have made an effort to preserve important programs while managing the pressures brought on by inflation.
We believe this budget, approved by the Board of Education, protects all we have accomplished together to make the BPS system exceptional and gives our new leadership team a strong base from which to continue that progress. The budget maintains and supports key elements of the District’s program and allows the new team to set its course.
The proposed budget increases funding by 5.82 percent over the current year. The budget prioritizes class size, academic and social/emotional supports, and extracurricular activities for students and meets all contractual obligations.
The budget will be presented to the Board of Finance (BOF) in March. The BOF will forward any proposed changes to the Representative Town Meeting and its Education Sub-committee, with the final Board of Education budget adopted in the spring.
Throughout the many steps in the process, my hope is that our District is viewed holistically and that the many emerging challenges are considered.
Branford has a beautifully diverse student body of over 2,600 students with backgrounds and needs, which are different, and in some cases novel, compared to the backgrounds and experiences of the members of the governing bodies making decisions about their future.
As we collectively consider priorities and operational expenses, the decisions made today will affect the opportunities our children will have in the future.
I encourage you to participate in the public meetings about this budget in which important decisions will be made for the children of Branford. You can access meeting dates on the Town’s website.