Kisiel Proposes $2.87 Million School Budget Increase

Interim Superintendent Richard Kisiel's proposed budget for the 2014-15 school year calls for a 2.75 percent increase, bringing the overall public education budget in town to $107,406,279. 

In dollar figures, Kisiel's proposal is a $2.87 million increase over the existing school budget. 

“The budget furthers the mission and the goals of the district," Kisiel told the Board of Education in a budget workshop meeting Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2014. "Despite the realities of our state's failure to fully meet its responsibility to adequately fund education.” 

Of note in Kisiel's budget, which still must be reviewed and approved by both the school board and the Manchester Board of Directors: 

• Salaries, benefits, special education and building operations costs make up about 93 percent of the overall budget. 
• The budget calls for 4.38 new certified teachers, as well as three assistant coaches on the varsity level at Manchester High School, three paraprofessionals and a district-wide painter to help re-paint schools and classrooms. 
• New equipment and capital improvements make up the largest percentage of the overall budget increase, at 53.58 percent or $389,718.