The Regional District #11 Board of Education has approved a 2024-2025 budget of $7,248,460, with an increase of $404,049. This is a 5.9% increase in the total cost of educating students at Parish Hill. Driving the increase of $371,369 are the costs of special education and outplaced special education students. This makes up 92% of the budget increase. We have no control over this increase because we are mandated to offer these services. Unfortunately, the current reimbursement rate from the Federal and State governments for these increases is inadequate.

Other items included in the increase:
• New chrome books to boost our technology for our students
• New textbooks/workbooks to continue to provide the best education for our students
• Fully funds all current staff for 2024-2025
• Fully funds our athletic program and co-curricular activities

This budget allows us to continue with the high quality of educational programs provided by Parish Hill High School. U.S. News & World Report 2024 Best Connecticut High Schools has us ranking 28 among the top 100 in the state.

The annual tri-town budget hearing will be held on Monday, May 6 at 7PM, followed by referenda in each of the three towns’ respective polling places on May 7.

James Connelly, Interim Superintendent Jobina Miller, Business Manager

Editor’s Note: Each member town is assessed per student enrollment. Hampton’s assessment for the FY2024-2025 budget proposal represents a $193,000 increase despite a decrease in enrollment from 55 to 54 students. Chaplin’s assessment will increase by $347,329, though their enrollment declined from 123 to 118 students. Only Scotland will realize a decrease in their assessment, by $184,157, due to a drop in enrollment from 76 to 60 students attending Parish Hill Middle/High School.