School Board Quizzed Over FY26 Proposed Budget

The New London School Board met on March 24, 2025 met at 5:30 p.m. for the public hearing on the proposed fiscal year 2026 budget. Dave Simmons addressed the board in open forum.

He asked how open enrollment in was in comparison to open enrollment out. Without the exact figures at his fingertips, the superintendent said it approximately 50 more enrolled in. He asked about class size and teacher retention and teacher retirement. The superintendent made him aware that negotiations have not yet started for next year. Wahls pointed out that the challenge is to have a budget finalized when new money from the state isn’t yet set.

Mr. Simmons asked about the proposed Ag class and the committee’s responsibility, when it might commence, and where it would be held. There are options being considered about where the program would be located.

There was a discussion about the impact of the federal Department of Education being shut down. It appears that the federal money will still be funded, but from different entities.

Mr. Simmons finished up by reminding the board that they have to sometimes say “no,” even when it’s hard. He pointed out that New London was one of the smallest taxing districts by square miles in the area.

With no more questions forthcoming, the meeting adjourned at 5:53 p.m.