Amity Board of Education sends 1.2% budget increase to referendum

The Amity Regional Board of Education advanced its proposed $58,809,212 budget for 2026–27 — a 1.2% increase over the current year — at its April 6 meeting, holding a required public hearing before moving into a regular meeting that included financial, operational, and policy items.

The Board convened the public hearing at 6:30 p.m. to present the proposed operating budget and receive public comment ahead of a referendum. As presented, the proposed 2026–2027 budget amount is $58,809,212, representing a 1.20% increase over the current budget. The detailed presentation is available on the district website.

Residents from Woodbridge, Orange, and Bethany were invited to speak before the Board proceeds with final steps in the budget process. Following the hearing, the Board took action to establish the Annual District Meeting date and referendum timeline, formally advancing the budget to the next stage where it will be presented to voters.

During the regular meeting, the Board addressed a range of district business, including financial approvals, curriculum updates, and operational reports. Public comment continued during the regular meeting, providing an additional opportunity for residents to address the Board.

Routine financial items included budget transfers, contract approvals, and updates related to grants and reserve accounts. Several Board members referenced prior-year surpluses during discussion of financial reports, including surpluses in salary and operational accounts. Contracts exceeding $35,000 were also considered, including services for fire suppression inspection and trash and recycling removal.

The Board also reviewed curriculum updates, including 7th grade social studies and Latin II, and received an update on the middle school schedule. During discussion, it was noted that scheduling changes are intended to support staffing flexibility and expand course offerings. 

A regular district technology report was presented, with discussion referencing the growing role of technology in district operations and budgeting. The Board also discussed participation in the Healthy Food Certification program, which provides state reimbursement for districts that meet specific nutrition standards.

Additional agenda items included policy updates and personnel matters, including administrative hiring practices. ABOE chairman Paul Davis stated that a three-member working group had been appointed to meet with the superintendent to develop recommendations on Board and superintendent roles and responsibilities, with the intent of reporting back to the full Board. During the discussion a question was raised about how the working group related to a previously approved Board retreat. 

Next steps

The proposed 2026–27 budget will next go before voters through the district’s two-step approval process. An Annual District Meeting will be held on Monday, May 4 at 5:30 p.m. in the ARHS Lecture Hall, at which the budget is formally presented and adjourned to referendum.

The following day, voters in Woodbridge, Orange, and Bethany will cast ballots in a referendum scheduled for Tuesday, May 5, with polls open from 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. to decide whether to approve the proposed spending plan.

Click below to watch the full recording of the April 6, 2026 public hearing and meeting of the ABOE on the district's YouTube channel.