Stonington school budget set near $6.5 million as superintendent attendance issues draw concern

Selectmen discussed school budget timing and communication after Town Manager Billings reported Superintendent Dan Ross failed to appear for a scheduled update and "didn't reach out to reschedule."

At a later meeting Interim Superintendent Hurvitt and Jane Osborn presented a finished budget of "Approx. 6.5M," describing use of carryover and staffing adjustments to contain costs amid inflation. The administration eliminated one position and combined others to hold the budget, and the transcript records planned budget hearing and an election vote in June.

Selectmen expressed concern about the superintendent’s absence for a scheduled update and asked the administration to provide complete budget copies to the town as they finalize warrant language and meeting notices. The board did not record any vote to alter the proposed school budget; hearing and vote dates were set in the minutes.

Next steps: Superintendent’s office to distribute final budget documents and proceed with the scheduled public hearing and vote.