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NEWINGTON
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Very proud all around U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal makes a short address to Eagle Scout Daniel Schumacher, 18, congratulating him on his success. Daniel’s parents were by his side to support him as well. See story, photos, Page 12
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Twin City Plaza, Newington
860-665-8288
OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK Deli Closes 1/2 Hour Early
Alex Syphers
Working together
budget last week by the Newington Town Council was hailed by many as a turning point in the cooperaThe restoration of the tion between the two assemblies. Newington Board of Education’s “We both knew that we faced a dilemma,” said Board of Education Chairman Stephen Friday, April 8, 2011 Free Woods. “Funds are not as available as they were in the past. Both groups recognized how important education is to the town and we came together to find a common solution that would satisfy both sides and at least part of the goal of restoring positions.” In March the Board of Education learned that Town Manager John Salomone had reduced the proposed amount of $61.5 million for the 2011-2012 fiscal year budget by $540,832. The reduction could have resulted By Alex Syphers Staff Writer
Volume 52, No. 12
in the potential layoff of 32 teachers within the Newington school system. In an effort to restore the funds, Woods and the Board of Education approached the Town Council and proposed to return $782,000 in excess funds for the system’s employee Health Benefits Account back to the town of Newington in the 2011-2012 fiscal year. Historically, excess monies in the Health Benefits Account, which funds the system’s health insurance program, have been returned to the Board of Education, as stated by an agreement made between the Board and Town Council in 1996. This year the Board of Education is expecting a surplus
in its employee health benefits account of $1.2 million. The Board of Education will keep the first $300,000 to pay for technology and maintenance items, and the remainder will be given to the town. “I think for the first time in 16 years we have a breakthrough. We have worked with the Board of Education. They have been very diligent and cooperative under the leadership of Chairman Woods,” said Councilor Chris Banach, during the special council meeting last Wednesday. The motion passed the Town Council in a 8 to 1 vote restoring the Board of Education budget for the 2011-2012 fiscal year to $61.5 million. See Budget, Page 4