The Regional District #11 Board of Education has approved a 2018-2019 budget of $6,441,465, a 0.69% increase in the total cost of educating students at Parish Hill. This RD11 budget reflects continued fiscal responsibility, consistent with past budgets that were also very fiscally prudent. This responsible approach has led to an average increase over the last seven fiscal years of only 0.74% per year.  The Superintendent and Board of Education were able to adopt a 0.69% budget increase by controlling spending, concentrating on efficiencies and economies of scale, and through efficient assignment of certified and non-certified personnel. As in past years, we have closely examined “actual” expenditures in all FY17-18 budgetary line items, leading to some notable line item reductions. In addition, we are always monitoring heating oil prices to lock in at favorable rates. We have also effectively used federal/state grants to maximize efficiencies, often applying for competitive grants to reduce the strain on our operating budget. I am pleased to report that this budget has been kept at a 0.69% increase despite budgetary constraints due to staff contractual increases, unanticipated magnet school tuition and health insurance costs that have increased by almost 7% compared to last fiscal year. I am also particularly proud that these sound fiscal practices and fiscal constraints have not adversely affected our district’s high quality of education.

The 0.69% budget also comes at a time when overall student outcomes have been impressive. The New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) recently gave Parish Hill a glowing report with 56 commendations.  Furthermore, standardized test scores have shown overall increases and we now offer 11 AP courses, adding AP Computer Science to our wide array of other AP courses. In addition, our SAT scores for the past six years have shown overall improvement, our Class of 2017 has earned a graduation rate of 100%, and our annual dropout rate is consistently well below the state average. On another note, our school maintenance operations and school facilities continue to show vast improvement.  We welcome residents to view for themselves these facility improvements.

The annual tri-town budget hearing will be held on May 7 at 6 p.m. in the Parish Hill Middle/High School library. The budget will be voted on from noon to 8 p.m. at each of the three towns’ respective polling places on May 8.

   Kenneth Henrici, Superintendent