New London Board directs same‑services FY2027 budget, asks for cost lines to restore summer and after‑school programs amid projected $7.8M gap

President Elaine Maynard‑Adams and the New London Board of Education directed district staff on Nov. 10 to prepare a same‑services FY2027 budget, include line‑item costs to restore summer school and after‑school programs, and identify possible reductions in Commissioner’s Network funding as part of early budget development.

The move followed a presentation by Chief Financial Officer Rob Funk outlining preliminary FY27 expense projections and revenue assumptions. Funk’s packet showed a projected all‑funds increase in expenses of $4,071,714 and an expected decrease in certain grant revenues of $3,695,802, producing a projected FY27 gap of $7,767,516 on a same‑services basis.

"The City will not be able to cover a $7‑8 million loss of revenue," Mayor Passero told the board after reviewing the district’s budget outlook, urging the board to build revenue estimates that reflect the tax base’s realistic capacity. Mayor Passero also recalled past district efforts — including magnet strategies — that helped secure additional grant funding.

Board members pressed for program priorities amid the shortfall. President Maynard‑Adams said she was "adamant about having summer school" and asked the administration to provide the specific cost to reinstate summer programming along with a separate line for after‑school offerings. Superintendent Dr. Cynthia Ritchie told the board that the district typically funds a general education summer program at about $300,000 and that after‑school programming is often around $100,000 per school; she also noted the district has brought in more than $10 million in grant funding in recent years but those funds are not all ongoing.

Board member Susan Hambey asked how the district would ensure equity of access for students if the board restored programs such as an international SPIRAL trip that has out‑of‑pocket costs. Janet Farquhar, Director of Magnet Pathways, said students enrolled in Chinese classes would receive a $200 discount (reducing the trip cost to $300 for those students) and that fundraising opportunities would be offered.

The board’s motion — offered by President Maynard‑Adams and seconded by Scott Garbini — asked the administration to produce: a same‑services budget for FY27, a cost estimate to restore summer school, a cost estimate to restore after‑school programs, and a targeted review of Commissioner’s Network funding to identify reductions the district could manage. The motion passed on roll call, 5‑0.

The board packet attached detailed spreadsheets showing pay‑rate increases, benefits cost estimates, transportation and utilities projections, and enrollment and tuition estimates used in revenue calculations. The packet also notes that several Commissioner’s Network grants complete their five‑year cycle in June 2026 and that those grants typically cover 50% of certain staffing positions and program costs.

Next steps: administration will return with the requested same‑services budget and the separate cost lines for summer and after‑school programs as the board begins formal FY27 budget deliberations.