Springfield Residents,
You voted “no” on our proposed budget in March, and we have listened and responded.
We know that Vermont education funding is confusing and that seeing the increased overall budget number on the ballot is concerning. This increase is because of the additional grant funding received, but it reflects a purposeful decision: to use available federal funds to strengthen and improve our schools, rather than making additional cuts that could limit student opportunity. We did this to reduce the local taxpayer burden while still making investments in student success. These changes result in a net budget increase of $207,861, but a decrease in per-pupil spending of $181 because of how the additional grant funding was applied.
You have asked what has been done to improve student outcomes. This past year, the district focused on three key priorities: literacy, instructional framework, and professional support and growth. The fiscal year 2027 budget continues to build on this work, ensuring continued progress and accountability in improving our students’ outcomes.
The bottom line is that we have reduced expenses by $367,139 through a variety of adjustments, and received an additional $575,000 in federal funding. The budget that is now being voted on: (1) contains expenditures that are only a 0.99% increase over this current year – half the 1.96% increase that was in the March budget, and less than one-third of the current inflation rate of 3.3%.; (2) reduces per-pupil spending to $15,008, a $181 decrease from the March budget – this is also below the state excess spending threshold and well below five out of six of our neighboring towns; and (3) continues to build on the foundation that was started this year to strengthen Springfield schools to what we all want them to be.
We believe in our schools, our students, and our staff, for our children and for our community. Strong schools are essential to a strong Springfield, they are the future of our community, and we are committed to that work.
Please stop by to see us on April 30, in the Springfield High School cafeteria, starting at 4:30 p.m., for a community event followed by our budget information session at 6 p.m.
Our schools depend on a voter-approved budget. Please join us and vote on May 5.
Sincerely,
Springfield School Board
Troy Palmer
Steve Karaffa
Denise Hunter
Jessica Austin
Steve Geller