Windsor Locks Board holds FY27 budget workshop, seeks direction on priorities

The Windsor Locks Board of Education convened a special FY27 budget workshop on Jan. 10, 2026, at the Windsor Locks High School Library Media Center to review the district’s proposed FY27 budget and seek guidance from board members. Superintendent Shawn Parkhurst said the workshop’s purpose was "to have a conversation with the team about the FY27 budget as submitted and to provide guidance and feedback" that staff will use to refine the budget before the next BOE meeting on Jan. 22, 2026.

During an overview supported by slide materials posted at wlps.org, administrators presented department-level budget highlights. Board members repeatedly emphasized preserving special education programs and asked staff to outline an organizational structure for positions to inform spending decisions. The minutes note that administrators in attendance included Rebecca Bissonnette, Robert Stacy, Jeff Bernabe, Kristen Krupa, Matt Warner and others, with Andrew Goodwin departing the meeting at 9:30 a.m.

Board discussion also raised a concern about capital funding: board members noted that "student issued technology being in the capital for a second time as it was funded by the town already on 12/29/25," and asked staff to clarify how those items should be budgeted. Members asked for concrete data and analysis on multiple operational items — including the potential costs and structure of a full-time athletic director — and directed staff to return with options and supporting numbers.

The board set timing and next steps: staff will use the guidance from the workshop to prepare a budget proposal for the regular BOE meeting on Jan. 22, 2026, where formal deliberation and any votes will take place.