The school board opted not to take advantage of a state law that allows unspent money, up to 1% of its budget, to be held in a school account rather than reverting to the town’s general fund.
“Virtually no district in our DRG group entertained this idea,” said Paul Hendrickson, the district’s business manager, who was tasked with researching the legislation. “What I got from a conference call last week with some other business managers is that it will not pass.”
Weston Public Schools was the only district in Ridgefield’s district reference group to establish such a fund, and it did it for only one year to fund a teacher’s position due to enrollment.
Darien’s Board of Finance briefly discussed it, but its education board did not bring it forward.
New Canaan, Redding and Westport were not interested, while Wilton expressed interest for the future.
In a situation where the account is established, it requires annual approval and can be applied to general expenses, capital projects, special education costs, and emergencies.
“It’s a great concept, but it doesn’t necessarily fit our needs,” said vice chairwoman Irene Burgess.
Several board members were of the opinion that if it’s not broken, then don’t fix it.
“We’ll evaluate it on an annual basis, but it’s not something we need this year,” said board member Michael Raduazzo.
“Let’s not upset the apple cart,” said board member John Palermo. “Our three boards work fairly well.”
Chairman Austin Drukker added that he would talk to the head of the Board of Finance, Dave Ulmer, before the educators made a final decision on the 1% carryover.
The finance board may elect to decide on the legislation, he said.
“We don’t need to vote tonight,” he said.
Mr. Hendrickson said 1% of the board’s budget is about $850,000.
“Conceptually it’s out there if we ever need it in the future,” said superintendent Deborah Low.