"Bare Bones" Budget Restores Most Programs And Staff

Superintendent of Schools Dr. Michael Graner proposed a revised school budget Wednesday that restores funds to the fifth and sixth grade musical instruction program, Project Oceanology, all the tutors, the stipend for a yearbook advisor and transportation to the Dual Language & Arts Magnet Middle School in Waterford.

“The board basically said do what you can,” Graner said of the revised budget proposal, which is a direct result of feedback the school board heard from residents since the budget was proposed, according to Graner.

Parents have been vocal at hearings about keeping the programs they felt were important. “They directed me to restore as many top items as I possibly could,” he said.

Approximately $100,000 for contingencies has been eliminated from the budget.

The school board will vote on the budget proposal in a special meeting next Wednesday, Feb. 22 at 7 in the Ledyard High School library.

In other school board business:

The board unanimously approved an after-school enrichment program at and, if needed, a shuttle bus will transport students from The program will launch at end of February and the fee may be waived as long as the planned activities are in support of Ledyard School programs, according to Graner.

The board also discussed the possibility of hiring an architect to draw up feasibility plans for renovating Ledyard Middle School. Graner said ultimately he would like to add another wing to the building and level the track field and install artificial turf.