The Eastern Regional High School Board of Education introduced a tentative budget for the 2023-’24 school year at its March 21 meeting.
Among important figures in the $49 million plan are the local tax figure, at $28,524,979, special revenue funds of $654,573 and a debt service fund of $3,385,525.
Superintendent Robert Cloutier emphasized that the figures are tentative and will be discussed among board members over the next month.
“I don’t want to go too into detail of the numbers (as they are) not final yet,” he said. “ … But I’m … pleased (with the proposal).”
Cloutier also said he is excited for the remainder of the school year as things move farther away from the pandemic: This time last year, many students were still masked. The superintendent noted that it’s nice to again see activities that were not completely present for two years.
“The school is no longer receiving significant COVID-19-related funds in forms of state aid,” he observed, “which in the school’s mind is a good thing, considering they no longer have to rely on it for help.
“(The last two years) were certainly hard for some students, but we’ve done everything to make sure they can get back on track.”
Cloutier and the board cited one upcoming event, the spring show that opened on March 24, Frozen: The Broadway Musical. Eastern was selected as the only school in the state with the rights to perform the Broadway musical.
“Dr. Gregg Molotsky and the crew have been working very hard on it,” Cloutier noted. “I’m excited to see how it turns out.”
Remaining shows include performances at 7 p.m. on Thursday, March 30, and Saturday, April 1, as well as a 2 p.m. show on Sunday, April 2. Tickets are available throughout the Eastern website and range from $6 to $14, depending on seating.
A major renovation of Eastern’s HVAC system began over winter break, with multiple classrooms having air conditioning replaced. The project was set to begin last September, but was delayed until December because of supply chain issues. Cloutier said seven units will be replaced over spring break and the work will end this summer.
“This is something that we’re looking forward to.” he said.
The next board meeting will be on Tuesday, April 25, with a public budget hearing on the following Tuesday at 7:30 p.m.
