Amity School Budget Rejected At Referendum

Orange CT

04 May, 2022

11:31 AM

Description

ORANGE, CT — The Amity Board of Education budget failed to win approval in the May 3 referendum in any of the three participating towns. The overall vote was 1,403 against in 801 in favor, according to Orange CT Live. The Amity Board of Education approved a 3.99 percent increase for the 2022-2023 school year. Student enrollment is projected to decrease by 68 students Total expenditures in the budget increased by $2.06 million. Of that, salaries accounted for more than $1 million of the increase and benefits were another $622,000 The budget called for adding 7.2 full-time equivalent positions. Two positions who be used to develop an in-house self-contained program for emotionally disturbed high school students. The Board of Education also requested another full-time equivalent security guard at the high school and a technology cybersecurity specialist. Another position was requested for a teacher position to facility diversity, equity and inclusion into the school curriculum. Half of the cost would be paid through federal American Rescue Plan Act funds. Another two full-time equivalent positions were requested for life arts teaching position at the middle schools to allow for more elective choices. Check out the full referendum vote breakdown here.