Dear Region 20 Community,
Thank you for your continued support of Regional School District 20. Last night, I presented the Superintendent’s proposed budget for the 2026–2027 school year. I would like to explain how this plan supports our students and why your involvement remains essential as the Board of Education moves toward final approval. The documents presented last night are all available on the district website at rsd20.org.
Our district continues to demonstrate strong academic performance. Students across Region 20 exceed state averages on both the SAT and Smarter Balanced (SBAC) assessments, and Goshen Center School, Litchfield Center School, and Warren Elementary School were all named Schools of Distinction this year. Lakeview High School also celebrated the admission of students to Dartmouth, Harvard, and Yale. These accomplishments reflect the dedication of our educators, families, and community, and they are truly worthy of recognition.
As we plan for the coming year, we remain committed to delivering high‑quality education while being responsible stewards of public resources. Since FY25, we have eliminated 28.5 staff positions and streamlined our Central Office, resulting in $1,700,000 in savings. Before bringing this year’s Superintendent’s Budget proposal forward, we also reduced the initial budget requests by nearly $1.5 million.
Even after these efforts, several unavoidable cost increases are driving the FY27 budget. The largest is a projected $919,695 increase in certified salaries. Additional mandated increases include a nearly 25% rise in medical insurance premiums—well above the 10% originally anticipated—and $353,395.54 in special education tuition.
A major focus of this year’s proposal is strengthening academic intervention for elementary students. Assessment data show that approximately 200 students in ELA and 250 in Math would benefit from additional support. To meet this need sustainably, I proposed creating an Elementary Intervention and Instruction Coordinator by elevating an existing teacher and adding two Educational Assistants, funded through federal Title I grants.
The FY27 Superintendent budget proposal totals $44,830,698.43, representing a 4.88% increase. This is not the district's final budget proposal; it is the starting point of the process. The Board of Education will conduct a review process culminating in the adoption of its final budget request in April.
As we move toward the final budget vote, your participation is vital. Community voices help ensure that our financial plan reflects shared values, supports student success, and maintains the long‑term strength of our schools. On February 5, 2026, the Board of Education will begin reviewing my proposal and developing its own version, which will be presented to the community for adoption in May.
Upcoming Opportunities to Participate
February 5, 2026* – BOE Budget Workshop – Category 0 Capital
February 12, 2026 – BOE Budget Workshop – Categories 1, 2, 3 (Certified & Classified Salaries and Benefits)
February 19, 2026* – BOE Budget Workshop – Categories 4, 5, 6 (Learning Programs, Tuition, Transportation)
February 26, 2026 – BOE Budget Workshop – Categories 8 & 9 (Administrative Services, Maintenance, and Revenue)
April 2, 2026 – BOE Budget Workshop – FY27 Budget Update
April 9, 2026* – BOE Meeting – Budget Approval
Monday, April 20, 2026 – Budget Hearing (Presentation to Community)
Monday, May 4, 2026 – Budget Meeting (Vote)
(* Regularly Scheduled BOE Meetings. Note: Budget Category review subject to change. Please be sure to view meeting agendas beforehand, which can be found on the district website at rsd20.org)
Your engagement strengthens our district. Together, we can continue building a school system that serves every student and benefits the entire community.
Regards,
Jeffrey, A. Villar, Ph.D.