[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},"mediaId",6328520,"mediaKeyId","2319556-d41e06c0555311b7c0cca1bcdac2813d","parentId",2319556,"title","Board hears evidence of rising hiring costs as district competes for experienced staff","audioSeconds",270,"startMs",2771000,"endMs",3041000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2319556-d41e06c0555311b7c0cca1bcdac2813d&start=2771&end=3041","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2319556-d41e06c0555311b7c0cca1bcdac2813d/thumbnail_2771000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6328520/Connecticut/Board-hears-evidence-of-rising-hiring-costs-as-district-competes-for-experienced-staff","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6328520-1c5187fbdd156a9ab548b72ec7269f91/orig.mp4?Expires=1771080236&Signature=BerBLMtzgpGdJjuSWJzX0tWiiVlrtQRWBu0FVPOYv5fEpx2t2~UYygQd~M0VF8fBYm2RHSU~GJ806TaMGGGK~fpb6omhTGkJWlb9-UAXZLSsnhEQSvdIEGC7NR6OVy3yZmZdcb5GwxskvdpunGHTC8WxPEpdVUZCpjDlYhlNw3l3W~ymZBjcd-SFNo-LZG8KnWx7UEM5PoZUFUKB3OkMm8YTgg2FqegolgNzkdaJs24m1iCSWCzdvbN5~j~K78fglSkCgQiu7nqmcJ3GX9LCSBJUujK1MbvKcovahZ8YgpgEbKrIVetkff43stvzfkgVQcfjGayYtUqAttx3KCiAsA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","","date","2025-02-15T14:55:13Z","article","District administrators told the Newington Board of Education on Feb. 12 that hiring costs have risen because applicants now commonly hold higher credentials and begin at higher contract steps.

The overview: Finance and human-resources staff presented a chart comparing outgoing staff average salary and average salary of newly hired staff across recent years. Administrators said the earlier pattern\u0000in which resignations were replaced by lower-step hires\u0000has reversed in recent years: the district now frequently hires applicants at step 10 or 11 with master's degrees, rather than bachelor-step 1 or 2 applicants. That shift increases the per-hire cost.

Budget implications: Administrators said staff costs and benefits comprise the majority of the district's operating budget and are the single largest driver of growth. The district carries an allowance for degree changes and projected step changes during the year; those line items are adjusted when the board approves salary transfers in December after hires and resignations settle.

Recruitment and vacancies: The district faces shortages in some specializations and in paraprofessional roles; special-education paraprofessional vacancies in particular produced 'breakage' (unspent salary lines) that contributed to non-lapsing fund balances the district used in prior years. Staff said the district has also increased hiring targets to fill nonunion driver and support positions to create more bench capacity. Administrators said they would continue to update the board as salary transfers are finalized and more precise vacancy and hiring cost data become available.

Board follow-up: Members asked for additional detail on typical step changes for new hires and asked that staff continue to monitor recruitment markets and present options for retaining and recruiting staff in high-need areas.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","NPS BOE Meeting - (2/12/2025)","oneSentenceSummary","Administrators told the board that the district is paying more to recruit and hire teachers and other staff, with recent hires typically coming in at higher steps and with higher degrees than in prior years. The trend is increasing operating costs and complicating budgeting.","taxTitle","Newington School District, School Districts, Connecticut","taxId",51980,"location","Connecticut","headline","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},6328525,"Board hears case to fund bus replacements as district faces long lead times and rising costs",4957,3121000,8078000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2319556-d41e06c0555311b7c0cca1bcdac2813d&start=3121&end=8078","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2319556-d41e06c0555311b7c0cca1bcdac2813d/thumbnail_3121000.jpg","/articles/6328525/Connecticut/Board-hears-case-to-fund-bus-replacements-as-district-faces-long-lead-times-and-rising-costs","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6328525-f22cebcfdac925300f21646341443755/orig.mp4?Expires=1771080236&Signature=CEoDsnCNKAUocl8HkszqNKsHl5pz0L3h5TW8MjIBbY67LcaHJnLBfLbuhSebL-S7MBBiy7rDSx2JYyM8y2Ga-ePxRhL4z-Kuwyo71Qb8fy-d5h1NibySOdUFZIVZrQHaiTFNg8CowSs-Mon048t5uy~lchS4qhp2xt2X~vW-8WxS3DDA~r4qPCji8unAHm59OTml0OfvdwoEXWCwhap9dxrLh6XHArjgOlFRuip~~spCuIBY7C23-sjHZrCpPv2vEAtGYoSuRkqdcrHleDl6U7RCtZR2apM2cNFQmLi8u3vO~8~diuUjoUCLDPjrBLUdYgi11G5KeMyk7bg1gkc6GA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Newington Board of Education heard details Feb. 12 on the district's bus replacement cycle and transportation operations, with staff asking the town to fund forthcoming vehicle purchases.

What administrators said: Lou and transportation staff said the town last funded the replacement cycle in the 2022-23 budget year. Because of industry price escalation and parts lead times, the administration requests funding to cover next year's buses at an estimated $737,003.64; staff described the $488,725 figure as a prior cost that has since escalated.

Procurement and timing issues: Officials said buses and parts have long lead times (buses ordered in 2023 arriving in 2024; parts may still be waiting installation) and that electric buses remain far more expensive and require additional infrastructure. The district's replacement cycle is longer than industry averages, staff said, and the district has on occasion used town capital or other accounts (Garfield Street renovation funds or leftover capital) to purchase buses when direct operating funding was not provided.

Transportation operations: The transportation unit runs a mixed union and nonunion driver model (22 union drivers, about 32 nonunion drivers currently) and two mechanics. With route expansion for preschool and special-education services, the district's daily runs increased from about 41 to 48. Staff said they would like to hire several more nonunion drivers for bench capacity and noted about $70,000 of the budget pressure was driven by special-education transportation needs.

Costs and repairs: The district contracts some heavy repair and maintenance work outside its shop; the budget includes fuel, tires, and parts, with staff reporting a significant increase in the cost of tires and some growth in fuel demand tied to added runs. Administrators said they continue to compare owning buses to leasing or contracting and consider ownership more cost-effective despite capital pressures.

Board follow-up: Staff said they will continue to refine the bus replacement request and ensure the Feb. 19 budget adoption reflects final procurement needs.","District staff told the Feb. 12 board meeting that bus costs have risen and that town funding for the bus replacement cycle has been intermittent. The administration requested funding for next year's buses and outlined repair and staffing pressures for transportation operations.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},6328529,"Chromebook damage and insurance draws attention as board weighs policy tweaks",131,1111000,1242000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2319556-d41e06c0555311b7c0cca1bcdac2813d&start=1111&end=1242","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2319556-d41e06c0555311b7c0cca1bcdac2813d/thumbnail_1111000.jpg","/articles/6328529/Connecticut/Chromebook-damage-and-insurance-draws-attention-as-board-weighs-policy-tweaks","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6328529-388869ca2418de627634283c68fa09bd/orig.mp4?Expires=1771080236&Signature=W73bpdFkzCNHYx2-Z1qnBWK0L5hP3hG4EJXa288oBjMgdUdxX3V522jTCjYYDck9eJV32cZr6KuBQm2PcSNFGQYF1IcH47xGT3yP7ldzboLUD0Cm3RfSUyhChGLjU26mxSjtC5NOfGpclHc5lxzu1ZjYPDZUG9xNuuo~t4k8ReO3snYhPCY-HBKFK0kuGA9dzChdEGeYjUh6m5hCOnTK-XjszJ1SVkczqGJaMnYRWUdwzrz7i8~4pF~sW3z3oBwbEJq2ADvlENP2-uj5IqhS7rsp-On1UlWTjQNC8KtFEWvoeZtEdiMbjukLM5UUYEIWF05AXVy9Y6IR3y8JFCr6nw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Newington Board of Education received a technology update Feb. 12 showing an uptick in Chromebook damage and offering options for policy changes.

Key numbers: Technology staff reported about $90,000 currently held in the district's Chromebook insurance fund. They estimated the district loses roughly $1,500 annually from unpaid fees when students leave the district, and they noted replacement Chromebook costs have risen to about $330 per device.

Patterns of damage: The district presented a damage report by grade level: the largest share of damage incidents are at middle-school grades (the transcript lists middle-school percentages highest, with grade 8 singled out), with fewer incidents in kindergarten and early grades. Staff noted some grade levels also correspond with devices that are at the end of a four-year replacement cycle, which may increase breakage.

Policy options discussed: Staff outlined several possible changes: (1) maintain the current one-claim-per-year approach (the district currently does not charge for the first incident in some cases), (2) change terms so the first incident is chargeable, (3) implement a sliding scale for insurance participation tied to free/reduced lunch status to improve affordability and increase participation, and (4) update charge amounts for parts and replacements. Board members asked for clearer communication to families about what insurance covers and for more outreach to reduce damages.

Operational context: Staff emphasized the district's practice of providing a spare Chromebook to students with a malfunction so instructional time is not lost, and they said high participation in the insurance program (about 65%) contributed to the current $90,000 reserve. Technology staff also warned of long bus-like lead times for some hardware and part replacements.

Board follow-up: Members asked the administration to provide an updated replacement-cycle comparison with peer districts and to return with a recommended sliding-scale approach and updated parent-facing materials explaining coverage.

No policy change was adopted at the Feb. 12 meeting; the board will consider options as staff return more detailed proposals.","District staff told the Newington Board of Education Feb. 12 that Chromebook damage claims have risen, the insurance fund holds roughly $90,000, and staff are considering a sliding-fee scale and policy clarifications to reduce costs and improve equity.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},6328534,"Special-education out-of-district placements drive a major budget increase; district expects partial state reimbursement",247,3042000,3289000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2319556-d41e06c0555311b7c0cca1bcdac2813d&start=3042&end=3289","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2319556-d41e06c0555311b7c0cca1bcdac2813d/thumbnail_3042000.jpg","/articles/6328534/Connecticut/Special-education-out-of-district-placements-drive-a-major-budget-increase-district-expects-partial-state-reimbursement","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6328534-6a41036594b6a3bd1cf42c7b70ae69d7/orig.mp4?Expires=1771080236&Signature=QzY61llrptXIKVrrQshl6TZ4piMDQVwfte8iQCtlcrnzRN~L3m0dkJ1yPuNQegZLw4u1ZvEuZmJrNf5tUlTEjCKeCtoLg6WyFqQHpf1Ek0FRXKOaSRojeVtyDqJDHksH6bn3zEPPmq5ePyVCOu6JCWDh~~rCSP3MLWukeCRK~Ly-jgw2404hu9dGwGCV9-SC4dGdzPd-sHCWq0d99wf7bAQO2RYabt5f6ksefCd3Oxxyd6ZUpl7nqx6M8ggFEUYmyRbAgM4ckFSiYEYmm4L1CTFND0oI5R8ejVltVTDs3dtbghzs~MkLUXEmpZN7Rzib~IrsOsSuzWKaut3W7T~aUg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Special-education tuition and contracted services are a principal driver of the Newington School District's proposed operating budget increase, administrators told the board at its Feb. 12 meeting.

Why it matters: The district forecasts a roughly $1 million aggregate increase in tuition-related accounts for next year, largely driven by students placed in out-of-district settings. The board was told that many of those placements are eligible for partial state reimbursement under Connecticut's excess-cost program, but the district must front the tuition costs.

Details from staff: Lou and special-education leaders said the district currently has about 42 students in out-of-district placements. Those cases have high per-student costs; locally placed cases that exceed approximately $95,000 become eligible for excess-cost reimbursement, and state rules for state-placed students use a different threshold (the transcript cites an example threshold near $28,500 for state-placed students). Staff estimated the district would recover roughly 70% of eligible excess costs and said the district expects about $1.5 million to $1.6 million in excess-cost reimbursement next year.

Net budget impact: Administrators presented a forecast showing gross out-of-district tuition near $4.4\u0000million to $5.0\u0000million (netting varies by account classification), with an estimated excess-cost offset of roughly $1.5\u0000million. The remainder will be an operating cost the district must carry.

Contracted services and procedural changes: The special-education presentation also noted a $400,000 addition to the operating budget for services previously paid partially from ESSER grants, and about $300,000 in contracted services needed when the district cannot recruit staff for specialized roles. Staff said the district is taking steps to bring some contracted evaluation work in-house (a plan that would increase salary costs but reduce contract expense over time).

Board follow-up requests: Members asked for further breakdowns\u0000—average per-student costs for out-of-district placements, the composition of the $400,000 ESSER-funded items returning to the operating budget, and detail on magnet-school special-education charges. Staff agreed to provide the requested line-item detail for the board's review before adoption.","Administrators told the Newington Board of Education Feb. 12 that special-education tuition and contracted services will increase substantially in next year's budget because of out-of-district placements; the district expects to recoup a portion under the state's excess-cost program.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},6328539,"Board set to adopt superintendent—s budget next week after wide-ranging department reviews",9166,749000,9915000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2319556-d41e06c0555311b7c0cca1bcdac2813d&start=749&end=9915","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2319556-d41e06c0555311b7c0cca1bcdac2813d/thumbnail_749000.jpg","/articles/6328539/Connecticut/Board-set-to-adopt-superintendents-budget-next-week-after-wide-ranging-department-reviews","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6328539-e7e657e3d93b132ddbe8ef6c07b54af5/orig.mp4?Expires=1771080236&Signature=ROyI9En4K9WSagUy6pU7VVwEefsglLab9ibodB0epkI-Us9Nyebyb-m3obt8KbcH2oqdODIFlzKY51n2ueouRcx9IWoOgzX5~O2fZL-wRaXHyB1WF3tGopwlrcnko6hx4y3JiUZ7zosXOSlrzNRBW5Mpyb7ffX4Jm75ouFiqzLUxyCn7dkXCqQdViMbZW9YNptQ7-aP14ceusNAvlQzcNZo-eXfc9wOoow~kKC~F5UfPK-z~41sOP4cfsso890a3jaaZWuoa9YB7UM3Q38EX3fmTjJekdDf7H~4c8vHfxNM2LZ07aIYkx~q-9QHNqgy2Tv5l9uFlOcpNQgMR-~1GtQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Newington Board of Education reviewed the superintendent's proposed 2025-26 budget during its Feb. 12 meeting and plans to adopt that proposal as its own at the board's Feb. 19 meeting.

Board and staff presentations focused on department-level updates and follow-up questions requested by the board. Superintendent Dr. Bremer led the review of instructional program questions submitted after an earlier presentation; business officer Lou (surname not specified in the transcript) and other administrators gave detailed line-item explanations.

Why it matters: The board is proposing its initial adoption before further public hearings and town budget processes. Staff warned the budget depends on multiple uncertain revenue streams and a continued but reduced use of the district's non-lapsing fund to close gaps.

Administrators described several recommended adjustments that together reduce the requested operating budget: a $50,000 reduction for an efficiency in the effective school solutions line; proposed reductions of roughly $80,000 from library/media and related material adjustments; and targeted reductions in contract services where one-time ESSER funding had previously paid for positions. Staff said they would update presentation slides with follow-up answers and circulate them to the board before the Feb. 19 adoption vote.

Financial context and risk: Lou reported the district relied heavily on a non-lapsing fund created from savings early in the COVID period. That fund grew to roughly $3.4 million and was used to reconcile recent budgets; administration said it is trying to reduce reliance by running the coming year with a plan that reserves $1 million from the non-lapsing balance for current-year needs and rolls $2.4 million forward. The administration's intent, Lou said, is to cap non-lapsing reliance so the town and board move toward a more self-sustaining operating budget.

State and grant revenue uncertainties also shape the budget. Staff said projected Educational Cost Sharing payments to the town are roughly flat, and adult-education grants are comparatively small and paid to the town. The district expects continued Open Choice and ESSER-related offsets in some accounts but warned many federal and state items are not guaranteed beyond current fiscal years.

Next steps: The board will consider the superintendent's budget as its own at the Feb. 19 meeting and can make further adjustments before the town's budget process continues. Administrators will circulate the slide deck updates and answers to outstanding questions in writing prior to that meeting.","The Newington Board of Education reviewed department budgets and options Feb. 12, 2025, and plans to adopt the superintendent\u0000s proposed budget at its Feb. 19 meeting. Major issues flagged include continued reliance on non-lapsing funds, uncertain state grants, and several line-item adjustments the administration recommended.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Board hears evidence of rising hiring costs as district competes for experienced staff

Board hears case to fund bus replacements as district faces long lead times and rising costs

Chromebook damage and insurance draws attention as board weighs policy tweaks

Special-education out-of-district placements drive a major budget increase; district expects partial state reimbursement

Board set to adopt superintendent—s budget next week after wide-ranging department reviews