The Regional District #11 Board of Education has approved a 2019-2020 budget of $6,480,579, a 0.90% increase in the total cost of educating students at Parish Hill. This RD #11 budget reflects continued fiscal responsibility, consistent with past budgets that were also very fiscally prudent. This responsible approach has led to an average increase of less than 1% per year during the last eight fiscal years. The Superintendent and Board of Education were able to adopt a 0.90% 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 FY18-19 budgetary line items, leading to some notable line item reductions.  We have also effectively used federal and state grants to maximize efficiencies and to reduce the strain on our operating budget. Furthermore, I am pleased to report that this budget has been kept at a 0.90% increase despite budgetary constraints due to staff contractual increases, magnet school tuition and magnet school special education costs, and significant costs for outplaced students.  I am also particularly proud that we have continued to provide a high quality education for all of our students while maintaining sound fiscal practices and fiscal constraints.

The 0.90% 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 Two Year Follow-Up Report, based upon their assessment during a previous site visit. Furthermore, during the past three years, standardized test scores have shown overall average increases, we offer eleven AP courses to our students, and our Class of 2018 has earned a graduation rate of 100%.  In addition, our annual and four year dropout rates are 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 Monday, May 6, at 6PM in the Parish Hill Middle/High School library. The RD #11 2019-2020 Budget of $6,480,579 will be voted on from noon to 8PM at each of the three towns’ respective polling places on Tuesday, May 7.

   Kenneth Henrici, Superintendent