Local PTAs Create Brochures

On 2010-11 School Budget

A brochure created by Newtown Parent Teacher Associations and sent out this week to parents listed information regarding the 2010-11 School Budget for parents.

Within the brochure the PTAs reminded parents the brochure was not a representative of the opinion of any Newtown school or town employees.

The proposed school budget for the 2010-11 school year can be found on the school district’s website at www.newtown.k12.ct.us/site/files/proposedbudget2010-11.pdf. The brochure also reminds parents that budget meeting dates, times, and locations for the Board of Education, Board of Finance, and the Legislative Council can be found on the town website (newtown.ct.gov).

The PTAs also explained school funding comes from three main sources: local property tax, state funding, and federal funding.

It also described the school budget process as starting around August, when the schools start, the principals gather data, plan and project what will be needed for the next year’s school budget. From there, the principals and department heads submit budget requests.

In January, the superintendent’s proposed budget was presented to the Board of Education for review and adoption. In February, the adopted budget is presented to the Board of Finance for deliberation and possible approval. In March, the Board of Finance submits the budget to the Legislative Council for deliberation and possible approval. In April, the Legislative Council adopts a town budget, and eventually that budget is brought to a budget referendum on the fourth Tuesday in April per the town Charter, as the brochure reminded parents.

For more information, parents can contact their school PTA, visit www.newtown.k12.ct.us, or visit www.newtown-ct.gov.