Board of Education

BOF Town Budget Presentation: March 3, 2025

2025-2026 BUDGET

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Letter From Board of Education

Dear Members of the Orange Community,

We are pleased to present the 2025-2026 Orange Public Schools District Budget, a reflection of our steadfast commitment to providing an outstanding education for our students. This budget proposal requests $25,214,154, representing a responsible increase of 3.90% or $945,661 over the current adjusted budget.

In a time of rising costs and economic pressures, we have approached this budget with diligence and care, balancing fiscal responsibility with the focus on maintaining and enhancing educational excellence. Every decision made is guided by our responsibility to the community and our unwavering dedication to the success of our students.

The Board of Education remains committed to responsible financial planning, ensuring that this budget aligns with our district’s priorities while maintaining fiscal discipline. It is designed to sustain high-quality programs, fulfill contractual obligations, and cultivate an inclusive and innovative learning environment. This proposal strengthens our instructional practices, embraces diverse learning, and leverages technology to enhance student achievement.

We are confident that our community’s leaders, including elected officials, civic partners, and local businesses, recognize that strong schools are the foundation of a thriving town. Investing in education is not just about meeting today’s needs but ensuring long-term success for our students and the broader community. Our residents expect and deserve a school system that provides every child with meaningful, high-quality learning experiences in a safe and supportive environment.

With this in mind, the Orange Board of Education respectfully submits the 2025-2026 budget request to the Orange Board of Finance for careful review and consideration. We appreciate your continued partnership and support in advancing the educational excellence that defines our district.

Thank you for your ongoing commitment to the students of Orange.

Sincerely

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ORANGE BOARD OF EDUCATION

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Board of Education Members

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Mr. Jeffery Cap - Chairperson

Mrs. Tatiana Messina Mullen - Vice Chairperson

Ms. Susan Riccio - Secretary

Mrs. Betty Hadlock

Ms. Ronnette Pompano James

Ms. Carmen Rodriguez

Mr. Anthony Scarinzi

Mrs. Elizabeth (Liz) Tremper

Mrs. Amanda Zapatka

Mr. Ken Ziman

Board of Education Staff

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Dr. Vince Scarpetti, Superintendent of Schools

Dr. Evelyn Russo, Director of Curriculum & Personnel

Ms. Christine Koch, Business Manager

Dr. Denise Arterbery, Principal, Turkey Hill School

Mrs. Tricia Lasto, Principal, Peck Place School

Mrs. Elaine Watson, Principal, Mary L. Tracy School

Mrs. Katherine McNeil, Principal, Race Brook School

Mrs. Mary Edo, Director of Special Services

Mr. Michael Gray, Director of Business & Operations

Mr. Neil Armstrong, Director of Technology

Our Mission is to...

Inspire and empower each student to achieve academic excellence, embrace social and individual responsibility, and lead with integrity.

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We believe all individuals should be valued and treated with respect.

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“Together WE will make a difference.”

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HIGHLIGHTS: CURRENT YEAR

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• Updated Social Studies Curriculum
• CT Leader and Educator Evaluation and Support Plans
• Mental Health/Social Work
• Building Security Infrastructure/Online Safety
• Language Comprehension Instruction

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OUR GOALS: 2025-2026

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• Promote active learning and high expectations for all students

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• Support student/staff success through strategic purchase of curriculum materials and technology

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• Maintain instructional programming while responding to changing needs of students

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• Prioritize the health and well-being of students and staff

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Enrollment History

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2025-26 EXPENSES

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BUDGET SUMMARY

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2024 - 2025 Adopted Budget

$24,268,493

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2025-2026 Proposed Budget

$25,214,154

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INCREASE: $945,661 3.90%

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BUDGET REQUEST: 2025-2026

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2024 - 2025 Adopted Budget: $24,268,493

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2025-2026 Proposed Budget: $25,214,154

Proposed Increase: $945,661 3.90%

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OF WHICH ….

Contractual obligations $225,000 0.93%

Insurances $541,277 2.23%

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Other benefits $ 63,000 .26%

Bus Contract $ 50,762 .21%

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All Other $ 65,622 .27%

TOTAL $945,661 3.90%

% of Proposed

Increase

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24%

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57%

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7%

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5%

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7%

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SUMMARY - PROPOSED BUDGET

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RIGHT TO READ ACT

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During the 2023 legislative session, lawmakers passed the Right to Read Act, which will require that all Connecticut school districts shift to a reading program aligned with the Science of Reading — a body of research that shows the best way to teach reading is through five pillars of skill development: phonemic awareness, phonics, oral reading fluency, vocabulary and comprehension.

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2026 CAPITAL REQUEST

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BUDGET REQUEST

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2024 - 2025 Adopted Budget

$24,268,493

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2025-2026 Proposed Budget

$25,214,154

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INCREASE: $945,661 3.90%

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...FOR YOUR CONTINUED SUPPORT!