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Hard choices
Schools, library face cuts in town manager’s budget By ERICA SCHMITT STAFF WRITER
The library and schools are facing significant changes if potential funding cuts in the town’s 201617 budget move forward. Acting Town Manager Tanya Lane’s $117.8 million proposal includes cuts to current spending of $60,000 to the Lucy Robbins Welles Library and $500,000 to the Board of Education. Volume 56, No. 11
At the last public hearing and the BOE’s budget presentation that followed, nearly a dozen students advocated for fully funding the schools’ $72.7 million request, a 4.21 percent increase over current spending. The town manager’s proposed cut would bring the increase down to 3.5 percent. Students urged councilors to consider the progress they’ve made at the middle schools’ biomedical and aerospace academies, which many hope to continue at Newington High School, where the Board proposes hiring one full-time academy staff member.
Erica Schmitt | Staff
“Millie” and “Jimmy Smith,” played by Newington High School seniors Hayley Gilchrest and Kenny Bell, in the school’s production of “Thoroughly Modern Millie” this weekend
A thoroughly entertaining ‘Millie’
ing their way in New York City, Saturday, March 19, with 2 p.m. circa 1920. and 7 p.m. showings. Newington High School stuTheir take on “Thoroughly The spring musical is highly dents are gearing up to present Modern Millie” will be presented anticipated by the school comSee SCHOOLS, Page A4 themselves as young people find- today, March 18 at 7 p.m., then See THOROUGHLY, Page A3 By ERICA SCHMITT
STAFF WRITER
INSIDE:
‘Tis spring, ‘tis spring, flamingos are on the wing for Project Graduation, Page 8
Pets of the Week: Cupid and Chuck are hoping they can remain together, Page 10