Cromwell Board of Finance opens public hearing on $42.5 million school budget
Board of Finance · Meeting of April 2, 2026
Cromwell Board of Finance hears proposed $42.5 million school budget and town capital requests at public hearing. Board of Finance Chair John Ireland presided April 2 as Superintendent Dr. Macri presented a $42,482,767 Board of Education budget for fiscal year 2026-27, a 4.64 percent increase trimmed down from an initial 7.2 percent departmental ask.
The most dramatic story of the budget cycle was health insurance: Cigna's initial renewal rate came in at 52.42 percent, the district went to bid, and ultimately all unions agreed to move to the state partnership plan for Middlesex County, which came in at roughly 11.5 percent and held the final benefits increase to 23.71 percent. Director of Student Services Siri O'Leary said the district's in-district special education programs, including the Effective School Solutions clinician model at $439,000, have likely avoided $400,000 to $500,000 in out-of-district placements. Town Manager Salvatore presented a general fund capital request of $1,956,645, flagging solid waste disposal, rising electricity costs, and two open collective bargaining negotiations as ongoing budget pressures.
No public comment was offered and the hearing closed at 7:07 p.m.; budget workshops are scheduled for April 7 and, if needed, April 9.
In the full story:
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Source: the Board of Finance meeting of April 2, 2026, reported from the official video recording and transcript.
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