Board of Finance

Approved by the Board of Finance May 20, 2025 Vote: Unanimous MINUTES Vol. 7 Page 453 BOARD OF FINANCE SPECIAL MEETING CITY HALL AUDITORIUM/ZOOM APRIL 29, 2025 A SPECIAL MEETING of the Board of Finance was held on Tuesday, April 29, 2025. Present at the City Hall auditorium were Mayor Elinor Carbone, Corporation Counsel Michael Magistrali, Board of Finance Members Laurene Pesce, James Wright, Board of Education members Susan DePretis, Glenn Burger, John Kissko, Ellen Hoehne, Gary Eucalitto, Jeffrey Putnam, Patrick Cronin, Kristen Conway, and William Knight. Also present at City Hall were Comptroller Olivia DeRosa, Deputy Comptroller & Manager of Budgets Erika Johnson, Human Resource Director Denise Kerpuwski, Superintendent Michael Wilson, Assistant Superintendent Susan Fergusson, Interim Finance Director Donna Labbe, Director of Facilities Dean Pergola, and Director of Information Technology Rachael Veins. Board of Finance Members Wendy Traub, Christopher Anderson, Chris Beyus, Deputy Fire Chief David Tripp, and Deputy Police Chief Bart Barown joined via Zoom. Board of Finance Member Deborah Iannacito and Board of Education Member Edward Corey were absent. Mayor Carbone called the meeting to order at 7:03 p.m. TPS PROPOSED BUDGET PRESENTATION: 2025 – 2026 On a motion by Mr. Wright, seconded by Mrs. Traub, the Board voted unanimously to open the meeting to present the proposed Torrington Public Schools Budget for the fiscal year July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026. Superintendent Wilson presented the proposed budget for the Torrington Public Schools for the fiscal period from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026. He highlighted some of the major factors driving the proposed budget increase, including salaries, benefits, supplies, purchased professional services, property services, and other miscellaneous expenses, which is a $5,729,851 (7.28%) increase from last year’s budget. Mr. Wilson said every increase or decrease in the budget has an explanation to go with it. Mrs. Pesce asked how many different languages there are in the schools, Mrs. Creedon said 40. Mr. Wright asked for an explanation of the FAST Academy. Mr. Wilson explained that the idea began in 2023 when they were unsure how to use the Forbes building. They decided it would house students needing alternative education. Expelled students will also be placed at Forbes, in a separate area. Mr. Wright asked about enrollment, and Mr. Wilson said they expect about 40 students in the alternative program. Mr. Wright noted the building seemed large for 40 students and asked if there would be other uses. Mr. Wilson responded that, in addition to the alternative program and expelled students, the 18–22-year-old program would return to town and be housed there as well. Mr. Wright then asked about the budget. Mr. Wilson said the FAST Academy would cost about $250,000, covered by a grant, so there’s no cost to taxpayers. The total project cost is $796,736, which includes: • $160,000 currently spent on outplaced students • $30,000 for in-house tutors • $300,000 in transportation savings • $289,000 from the Alliance Grant. Mr. Wright also asked how many students would come from East School, and Mr. Wilson said 15, with 13 in the 18–22 program. Mrs. Traub asked if the schools are working toward exiting the Alliance District designation. Mr. Wilson said they are meeting with the State Alliance District team, focusing on improving growth and proficiency numbers. Mrs. Traub asked about the exit process and noted that Alliance funds can’t be used for existing budget items. She raised concerns that middle school teachers, previously funded by the operating budget, are now paid with Alliance funds, which she believed was not allowed. Mr. Wilson agreed and clarified that Alliance funds require written plans and approval. He also mentioned that the benchmark reading program has been expanded to grade 6, which allowed them to fund teachers through the Alliance. Mrs. Pesce asked if the only net line in the budget is the insurance line. Mrs. Labbe confirmed, adding that it also applies to retirees. Mr. Wright noted that while the $250,000 to start the FAST Academy is great, future years might require adding teacher positions to the regular budget. Mr. Wilson said that’s possible and added that if the program is successful, they might open it to outside schools and charge tuition. MINUTES Vol. 7 Page 454 BOARD OF FINANCE SPECIAL MEETING CITY HALL AUDITORIUM/ZOOM APRIL 29, 2025 Director of Facilities, Mr. Pergola, presented the BOE Capital request totaling $1,616,807. He explained that many of the items on the list are at the end of their lifespan and have only received temporary fixes so far. Mrs. Traub asked about the charge for security at Torringford School. Mr. Pergola explained that it covers a new locked foyer completed in December, which includes safety glass, panic hardware, security cameras, and a full security system, which provides an additional layer of protection at the front entrances. Mr. Wilson emphasized that this investment is solely for the safety of students and staff across all school buildings. Mrs. Pesce asked if there was any plan to move pre-K into Forbes School. Mr. Wilson responded that there will be space in other buildings, so that’s not being considered. Director of Information Technology, Ms. Veins, presented the Board of Education Technology Plan request, totaling $1,998,672. She explained that the funds will be used to replace devices that are at the end of their warranty period and to upgrade other buildings to the district’s new phone systems. ADJOURNMENT On a motion by Mrs. Pesce, seconded by Mr. Wright, the Board voted unanimously to adjourn at 7:53 p.m. Respectfully submitted by ATTEST: Heather Abraham, Asst. City Clerk CAROL L. ANDERSON, CITY CLERK CAROL L. ANDERSON, CITY CLERK