Clinton School Board Considers 5.81% Budget Increase for 2026-27

CLINTON, CT — The Town School Superintendent M. O'Donnell presented a proposed 2026-27 operating budget totaling $41,444,732, reflecting an increase of 5.62 percent at a recent Board of Education meeting.

This budget development was guided by the mission statement and strategic objectives of the school district, according to O'Donnell.

Inflationary pressures contributing to the proposed increase include health insurance costs, contracted salary increases, in-district specialized program needs, out-of-district tuition increases, and utility costs, according to meeting minutes. Salaries, benefits, and tuition account for the entire proposed 5.62 percent increase, with all other budget categories collectively decreasing.

Salaries represent the largest area of increase due to contractual obligations. Nursing and occupational therapy staff, previously contracted out, are now reflected under non-certified salaries to accurately show the Board's direct employment of these positions, meeting minutes state. M. O'Donnell stated that she worked to control operational costs where possible while preserving staff, programming, and the student experience.

The combined total of the Superintendent's proposed operating, capital, and debt service budget for 2026-27 is $45,358,239. This figure represents an overall increase of $2,491,743, or 5.81 percent.

The Board anticipates formally approving the 2026-27 budget during its regular meeting on February 2.

See also: This Clinton Home Offers You A 'Private Shoreline Escape'

• Overnight Snow Removal Operations Planned In Clinton: Here's What To Know

This article includes AI-assisted reporting. Editors reviewed all content for accuracy.