The Board of Selectmen has issued a reminder that a Public Hearing on the Board of Education Budget is scheduled for Monday, March 29th at 7PM at the Pearson School. This meeting will be held in-person. (Please note masks and social distance will be required in the building at all times.)
Due to ongoing concerns regarding COVID-19, the ability to watch the meeting via the Livestream link will be available for those uncomfortable with attending in person. Please be advised that every effort is being made with the video and audio as the Livestream will be through the Zoom link on a computer laptop. Unlike the regular meetings held in the P. Francis Hicks room at Town Hall, there is no sound system to link to for the Zoom component.
During the Public Comments portion of the hearing, questions will initially be received from “in-person" attendees followed by those participating through Zoom. A request will be made for identification of speakers for either platform.
Participants planning to attend the Public Hearing via Zoom should click the link found here to gain access to the meeting: The following can also be entered manually from the Zoom App: Meeting ID: 894 3409 2476 Passcode: 982777
Please click here to view the meeting as it is livestreamed.
**Zoom Process: All people entering via Zoom must provide their identity. For videos, please make sure your correct name accompanies your picture. For example, your Zoom name should not just reflect “Family iPad”.
NOTE: To change your name after entering a Zoom meeting, click on the “Participants” button at the top of the Zoom window. Next, hover your mouse over your name in the “Participants” list on the right side of the Zoom window. Click on “Rename”.
Managing the rotations or turns of people speaking will be completed as best as possible. All participants on Zoom will be muted until it is their time to speak.**
Please note the Meeting Process will take the following form:
- Gilbert School Superintendent Anthony Serio will present information on the budget for that school.
- Winchester Public Schools Superintendent Melony Brady-Shanley will present the Board of Education budget in detail.
At the conclusion of the school leaders’ remarks, public questions will begin. Please recall that the public may ask questions both in person and via Zoom.
Remaining Required Budget Meetings include:
· Monday, April 5th at 7PM: Public Hearing Town Budget
· Monday, May 10th at 7PM: Annual Town Meeting
· End of May (Date TBD): Budget Referendum
The Board of Selectmen will hold additional meetings as needed to deliberate on the budget up to April 23, 2021. There will be information coming from the State of Connecticut legislative decisions as well as from the American Rescue Act regulations that will need to be analyzed as well over the next few weeks.
The Board of Selectmen will present a budget to the town that they feel will meet the needs of the community.
It will be up to the public to decide the outcome of the budget recommendation beginning on May 10th at the Town Meeting and 14-21 days later at the referendum. (Likely to be scheduled for Saturday, May 29th as suggested by Registrars and Finance Director)
All Budgets may be viewed online. However, if you need a printed copy, please do not hesitate to phone (860) 738-6962.
Town Budget may be found at this link.Board of Education Budget may be found at this link.The Gilbert School (Grades 7-12) Budget may be found at this link.