Monroe parents are worried about possible $1.85 million in cuts, which could affect staffing, programs and class sizes across the district.

A growing number of parents are speaking out ahead of the town’s referendum, which is still a couple of months away. Superintendent Joe Kobza initially proposed a budget increase largely driven by fixed costs including salaries, health insurance, transportation and special education, as well as proposals to move eighth grade to the high school. Enrollment has been increasing, causing space constraints in district buildings, and the COVID money schools received is no longer available.

“We’re seeing things from the federal side, from the state side, but that doesn’t change our town’s obligation and our obligation as a community to provide for our children, so we can have those hard conversations but not at the expense of our children,” said Jason Maur with the Monroe Town Council.

Monroe First Selectman Terry Rooney sent this statement:

“The budget process in Monroe is still ongoing and will be until the people cast their vote at a referendum in May. State mandates on education and the lack of excess cost funding create a very large impact on budgets in all municipalities.”

The town is proposing a $76.7 million school budget. The final vote is May 5.