The meeting opened with a focus on the preliminary budget presentation given by Raymond Zimmerman, which outlined the financial context in which the Vernon School District is operating. Zimmerman explained the impact of two new bills that influence budget procedures and state aid provisions. Since the 2016-2017 school year, Vernon has experienced substantial state aid cuts totaling over $7.5 million. The 2024-2025 budget will also be the first year without COVID grants, which previously helped the district absorb increased costs.

The proposed budget allocations, as presented by Zimmerman, aim to address various needs within the district. The budget seeks to add 16 new teachers to reduce class sizes, increase security staffing, and add additional counseling staff. Maintenance projects, such as door access control, building management system updates, and fire alarm replacements, are also planned. Zimmerman highlighted the need for future maintenance projects, including the repairs and replacements of facilities, which are vital for the district’s infrastructure.

The tax levy increase proposed is just under $4.4 million, inclusive of previously approved amounts. Zimmerman provided scenarios that explained how, depending on property value fluctuations, some taxpayers might see a decrease in their tax bills, while others could experience an increase. The importance of ratables to mitigate the impact of tax increases on individual taxpayers was emphasized.

Further discussions during the meeting revealed concerns about the thoroughness of the long-range facility plan, the frequency of facility assessments, and the discrepancy between projected funding for capital projects and the estimated costs of necessary repairs. The deteriorating condition of the district’s facilities was raised as a serious concern, with an emphasis on the need to prioritize safety-related projects.

The board also navigated through discussions on hiring additional staff. There was a particular focus on the impact of hiring 16 new teachers on class sizes. Specific concerns were raised regarding classes that currently have 28-30 students, which is seen as unmanageable and detrimental to the quality of education. The hiring of additional counseling staff was also on the agenda, with placements to be determined based on the expertise of the new hires.

The public comment period elicited a range of opinions from community members and school officials. A principal from Cedar Mountain Primary School and the principal of Glen Meadow Middle School both advocated for lower class sizes and adequate funding for after-school busing and the reinstatement of programs like the entrepreneurship program, Treps. Some community members expressed skepticism about the budget increase and raised concerns about the impact on residents, especially on those with fixed incomes. One community member suggested hiring more aides instead of teachers as a cost-effective measure to address class sizes.

Concerns about the district’s decision-making process, the allocation of funds, and the administrative costs were voiced, along with the decline in cognitive thinking and practical skills among students. The need for transparency and accountability in administrative decisions was also a pressing topic.

While the proposed tax levy increase dominated the discussion, with contrasting perspectives on its financial implications, the speakers did not neglect the importance of maintaining and supporting the district’s educational programs and extracurricular activities. The board members expressed differing views on the budget and its impact, with one member emphasizing the necessity of capital reserves and another raising concerns about the tax burden on the community.

In addition to budget concerns, the board voted to renew the food service contract for the upcoming school year. Community members during the public comment period expressed support for the board’s decisions, while some urged the board to consider cost-saving measures and the importance of parent involvement and school climate.