Stonington school budget advances as superintendent attendance and timing raise concerns

School funding and superintendent attendance surfaced repeatedly in Selectmen meetings.

At the December 19 meeting, Town Manager Billings told the board that Superintendent Dan Ross did not attend the meeting and had not reached out to reschedule. Billings noted Ross had been meeting with Deer Isle officials about their budget crisis and that the Selectmen had not received formal notice or replacement materials.

In April, Interim or replacement superintendent Hurvitt (identified in the transcript as Supt. Hurvitt) returned to present the finalized school budget, described as approximately $6.5 million. Hurvitt reported the district used some carryover funds, consolidated positions to control costs, and set a public hearing and timeline for the May/June budget process.

Selectmen reiterated the importance of superintendent engagement in the town’s budget planning process and asked for timely delivery of budget documents to facilitate town reporting and warrant preparation. The meetings record shows a May hearing set and a June vote date for the school budget on the town calendar.