Residents urge support for high‑school service club and demand clearer program budgets, citing $120,000 overpayment

Two public commenters described community service plans and urged the New London Board of Education to strengthen financial transparency at its Oct. 27 meeting.

At the podium, Kenneth Willoughby and Marla Bulas described starting a high‑school club they call “Nurturing Sprouts.” The club has been sending cards to sick children, veterans and elders and the presenters said they hope to expand to hands‑on work by partnering with hospitals, clinics or outreach programs. The presenters asked the board and administration to help identify partners or sponsors.

A written statement from Sarah Turner was read into the record by Kristea Francolino. Turner urged the board to require separate, detailed budget and expenditure reports for the regular academic calendar, year‑round calendar, adult education, summer school and program‑specific expenditures, saying current reporting prevents the public and the board from understanding allocations. Turner wrote that the district has repeatedly blamed its financial software, MUNIS, for reporting gaps while also "accidentally overpay[ing] an additional $120,000 within the last two years." She asked the board to set a firm deadline for implementing the separate reports and to hold responsible parties accountable if progress stalls.

Superintendent Dr. Cynthia Ritchie told the board she would follow up with the students who spoke during public comment. The minutes do not show a direct administrative response to Turner’s budget allegations beyond the superintendent’s pledge to follow up; the minutes do not record any board action or deadline in response to her requests.

Turner’s full written comments were included in the meeting record.