Cromwell Schools Propose $42.5 Million Budget, Down From Higher Initial Draft

Board of Finance · Meeting of April 2, 2026

Cromwell Public Schools proposed a $42.5 million budget for 2026-2027 at the Board of Finance public hearing Thursday, seeking a 4.64 percent increase after months of reductions from an initial 7.2 percent draft. Superintendent Dr. Macri and district finance official Michelle DeMauro told the board that health insurance renewal rates from Cigna initially came in at 52.42 percent before a competitive bid process and a union-supported switch to the state partnership plan through Middlesex County brought the final benefits increase to 23.71 percent.

The district will also draw $396,636 from prior-year surplus funds to cover technology and capital costs, holding the appropriated increase to $1,882,767. Two new registered behavior technicians are the only new staffing positions requested. Board of Finance Chair John Ireland noted workshops are set for April 7 and potentially April 9 to complete budget review.

In the full story:

• The complete report — 800 words

Source: the Board of Finance meeting of April 2, 2026, reported from the official video recording and transcript.

The Full Article

CROMWELL — April 2, 2026 — The Cromwell Board of Finance opened its public hearing on the proposed 2026-2027 general fund budget Thursday evening, receiving a detailed presentation from Cromwell Public Schools officials seeking a $42,482,767 education budget — a 4.64 percent increase over the current year.

Board of Finance Chair John Ireland presided over the hearing at Town Hall Council Chambers. The proposed school budget, down significantly from an initial internal draft, reflects months of work by district administrators to trim costs while managing a sharp jump in employee benefits costs driven by health insurance renewal rates.

The Full Story

Superintendent Dr. Macri opened the school district's presentation by framing the budget around student outcomes, walking the board through academic performance data before turning to the financial details. The proposed Board of Education budget of $42,482,767 represents a $1,882,767 increase over the current year. That figure is a substantial reduction from where the process began: an initial internal estimate came in at 7.2 percent growth, the superintendent's recommended budget was trimmed to 6.61 percent, and the Board of Education's final proposed figure now stands at 4.64 percent.

The largest driver of the increase is salaries and benefits, which together represent 76 percent of the school district's budget. A newly negotiated teacher contract taking effect July 2026 accounts for a significant portion of the salary line. The district also cut teaching and stipend salary positions — reductions it characterized as a recognition that this may not be the right time to add staff — saving $355,760, and trimmed support staff salaries by approximately $174,000.

The sharpest budget drama involved health insurance. Michelle DeMauro, identified as a district finance official, told the board that Cigna's initial renewal rate came in at 52.42 percent — a figure that prompted the district to go out to bid.

"When we got that first initial renewal rate of 52.42%, we were very concerned, and we decided to go out to bid." [00:15:57] — Michelle DeMauro, district finance official

Of the small pool of carriers in Connecticut, Cigna ultimately offered 33.47 percent upon rebidding, and Anthem came in at 31.89 percent. The district and its employee unions ultimately moved to the state partnership plan through Middlesex County, which came in at the lower end of projections — approximately 11.5 percent — bringing the blended benefits increase to 23.71 percent. The district had originally budgeted for a 25 percent increase, yielding a modest savings.

"If we got the same increase as we had last year, which was 7%, I have a percent overall increase in the budget. So the rest of it is all benefits." [00:18:48] — Michelle DeMauro, district finance official

The district also disclosed that $396,636 in surplus funds from the prior year will be applied to technology and capital outlay costs, reducing the amount that needs to be appropriated from the general fund. Director of Student Services Siri O'Leary presented the district's ongoing strategy to reduce out-of-placement costs by expanding specialized classroom support within district buildings. The district is requesting two new full-time registered behavior technicians — one each at Edna C. Stevens School and Woodside Intermediate School — to support students with behavioral and social-emotional needs.

Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction Dr. McLean highlighted student achievement data, including Advanced Placement results. The district has earned College Board recognition in the "college optimization" category, which requires that 2 percent of the graduating class complete five or more AP courses, including at least one in freshman or sophomore year.

"It's not an easy category, but you can see that's where we're shining." [00:13:09] — Dr. McLean, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction

Ireland noted that the Board of Finance would move immediately into budget workshops following the public hearing, with a follow-up workshop scheduled for Tuesday, April 7, at 6 p.m. in the Belden Room at Cromwell-Belden Library, and a second session set for Thursday, April 9, if needed.

Why It Matters

Cromwell residents will see the proposed school budget's 4.64 percent increase — $1,882,767 — reflected in the overall 2026-2027 general fund budget now under review by the Board of Finance. The district's ability to hold the increase below 5 percent turned largely on a last-minute move to the state partnership health insurance plan, a change that required agreement from all employee unions. Had the district stayed on its original Cigna plan at even the rebid rate of 33.47 percent, the budget increase would have been substantially higher. The Board of Finance will hold workshops April 7 and potentially April 9 before finalizing its budget recommendations.

Key Motions & Votes

No formal votes were taken at this meeting.

Source

Cromwell's community access TV: Board of Finance meeting, April 2, 2026