You know so many people still don't understand all the amazing work that's going on the wall career academy model. So we always like to make an effort to share that with our greater community as well. To date, we have 86 new mentors trained just this year. Um, we're on track to most likely hit at least 95 new mentors train. We have a few more coming. And then, like I said, we have 25 active business um, partners right now and a bit about our actual um, you know, who we're serving, our impact right here. Currently, we have 226 students enrolled in our program that are meeting regularly with a mentor in the BME public schools. Um about this time last year we had 152 students. So even knowing that we graduated out 14 last year and with students moving in out of the district that we know happens so frequently um we've been able to increase by basically 50% um in less than one year.
Nothing better. Hopefully, you better work on that. >> All right, everybody. Why don't we go ahead and move on to agenda item number 2.3, which is the adoption of the 2026-2027 final budget. I will turn the floor over to Ms. Lee to take us through. Thank you, Mr. President. Um as we move from our previously approved tentative budget to final budget adoption tonight for the school year 2026-2027, I would like to highlight there's some key points and the summary for this budget. This budget continues to reflect alignment with the district's mission and strategic goals. Our focus remains on providing a high-quality, equitable education experience for all students while maintaining fiscal responsibility to our community. One of the major highlights this year is the increase in state aid, whose rose which rose by 7.3% to approximately $42.6 million. This additional funding support programs expect program expansion and helps offset the impact on local taxpayers.
>> I will second that. >> Second that. All those in favor? >> I oppose zero. So, it's 302 absent. So, have a blessing. Good luck. >> Awesome. Thanks. >> Can't wait to see it done. Can't wait to see them get done. >> I'm very excited, too. >> Yeah, I bet you are. >> Two years of work. >> Yeah, a lot of work. A lot of work and a lot. Thank you. >> Okay. Uh, moving right along. 8:00, but I know that the person is here already. So, would you mind if I advanced uh our discussion on the storm storm drain uh presentation, a storm storm water drain presentation and painting coordination saying that uh we're going back to back on on painting. Michelangelo, is that coming up to the podium? >> Hi, Rob St. Germaine, 64 Winter Straight. I'm chair of the um stormwater advisory committee.
Uh we have currently mentors at every single public school in Danbury. There was a few schools that we didn't have at this time last year but we're happy to say that we've brought our program back at South Street and also the magnet school. Uh we always have students come in and out of reach endeavor program. Currently have no one there at this time but it doesn't mean that we won't support them if students do go there. Um but we're really happy to say that we do have you know that support every single school. We have a designated um school liaison usually the social worker or school counselor or um psychologist that's always looking out for who could benefit from this extra support from meeting with a mentor. And the mentor is simply there as a friend, a positive role model. They meet usually during lunch or study hall or free period and they're there to build that positive connection, be a trusted adult to our young people that is not their parent, you know, not affiliated with the school or anything like that, but they are there and that consistent support.
The 73% of this budget is dedicated to instruction, staffing, curriculum, and professional development, reinforcing that majority of our resources directly support teaching and learning. As Ms. Griffin presented during the last tentative budget presentation, some key investments include the implementation of the new K-6 mathematics and middle school science programs, expanded AP course offerings, and ongoing professional development. Turning to the tax levy now, the proposed levy is a $16.13 million. This was developed with the allowable adjustments applied. Most notably, a $1.33 million healthcare cost adjustment due to rising insurance expenses. To minimize the impact on taxpayers, the district utilized available fund balance to offset expenditures and apply the bank cap from prior years to provide a flexibility in addressing current needs. Along with increased state aid, these measures helped to reduce reliance on local taxation. As a result, the estimated impact on the average homeowner is approximately $39 per year, reflecting a fiscally responsible and strategic approach.
Um one of u the functions that the stormwater advisory committee performs is is we help the DPW to do all of the some of the things that the DPW just doesn't have the the manpower uh the people power to do the time. So um there is as part of the permit a requirement that we stencil and I don't know the exact number but we have 2400 plus storm drains in town uh we have done a fraction of them in the eight years um that since we started the storm water enterprise fund so um so we have started to get you know people involved and uh Larry Dong is one of them. Uh and we had some volunteers from the high school science club that wanted to to do one. They wanted to participate and uh they want to do one in back with the high school.
So, this chart is getting bigger and bigger each year. That's hard to fit on one slide. Um, but as you can see, a quick snapshot of, you know, students are in a program right now with the orange bars. And you know, we've each school we pretty much cons consistently um increased it um based on need of course, but our goal is always to if a student wants a mentor, is interested in a mentor, we want sure that they have a mentor. Um and that's our really big goal and push this year. We really tried our best to go to all the open houses in fall to also connect with the parents directly to say that there's this free program available to you that you can support your child in this way. So that's something that we're hoping to continue to do next year as well.
Since the tentative budget, there was one change, um which was higher than anticipated carryover of $919,802 uh 919,802 in PA grant. These additional funds will be strategically utilized to expand and strengthen our preschool program, including supporting additional staffing, enhancing classroom resources, and extending learning opportunities. As the board and administration concur that this budget constitutes a comprehensive and that comprehensive budget and that it uh pro uh prioritizes the investment in our students, reinforces the equality and sustainability of our programs and upholds fiscal responsibility while remaining attentive to the interest of our community. We respectfully presented for approval and adoption as the final budget. Before concluding, I would like to extend my appreciation appreciation to the board for their guidance, support, and commitment throughout this process. I also want to recognize our administrative team for their collaboration and dedication to meeting the needs of our students and staff.
The superintendent has already said okay. Um I don't know if that's sufficient or or that's part of this discussion as well in terms of um permission. Um we have as as part of our role again and some of you witnessed it this weekend um on the Earth Day where we had some Girl Scouts uh that participated last year and painting storm drains. uh they got really enthusiastic about learning how storm water works in the community and they put together a flyer which I now have permission to display on the document table for people walking into town meeting. Uh they produce a video which I I sent to all of you and Adam has also authorized uh that to be shown as a a committee report at the beginning of town meeting. Um, and so this is over and above the stenciling thing. The purpose of the stenciling is just not to make the star drains look pretty, but it's public awareness.
And then just a quick snapshot of our feedback from last year's survey. We always send out a survey to all of our students and mentors in May. Um for the students, of course, the ones that are in kindergarten, first to second grade. Um they work with their school counselor to fill this out. Um, you know, we of course um have a different variation for each students, but last year we had an awesome response rate. 106 respondents out of 152 surveys that went out and out of that we found out that 91% of students um would want their mentor again next year. We drilled down to stats a little bit. A few of the students that said no were ones that already knew they were moving away. And then 90% of them would recommend having a mentor to a friend. And then the chart here, we are really trying our best to ensure that our mentors are helping students in different ways.
Finally, I want to thank our community for their continued support and partnership which plays a vital role in the success of our schools. Thank you. Um and then now I'm going to read the resolution. After I read the resolution, I need a motion and a second. Be resolved that the Bamberg Board of Education, upper recommendation of the superintendent, accepts the 2026-27 final general fund budget be adopted in the amount of 66 million 822,710 dollars and a final general fund local tax levy in the amount of 60 million 128,208 dollars and a final special revenue fund in the amount of 5 million 129,444 dollars and a final debt service budget in the amount of 1 million 642,663 dollars and a final debt service local tax levy in the amount of 736, 568 dollars whereby the final 2026-27 budget totals 73 million dollars 73 million And whereas the Bamber Board of Education has been notified of a state aid amounts and whereas such a state aid amounts are for 2026-27 equalization aid is $34,861,165 and for 2026-27 the school choice aid is $110, $546 and for 2026-27 the categorical special education aid is $3,179,955 and for 2026-27 the categorical security aid is $904,627 and for 2026-27 the categorical transportation aid is $187,069 and for 2026-27 the preschool education aid is $2,425,220 and for 2026-27 the debt service aid is $875,492 and whereas the Bamber Board of Education has estimated of state aid amount pursuant to application and for 2026-27 the estimated extraordinary aid amount is $180,000 $ and whereas the Bamber Board of Education recognizes school staff and board members will incur travel expenses related to and within the scope of their common responsibilities and for travel that promotes the delivery of instruction or furthers the efficient operation of the school district.
Um, and I think I mentioned to you the last time I was at the mic, uh, that some towns have experienced huge expenses with people putting doggy bags or or areas where excessive litter and the stuff goes into the storm drain, particularly if it's an open curb uh, type of a drain and next thing you know, you got a an impacted pipe. Um, there's equipment we have to bring in. We don't own it uh to vac these pipes out. Sometimes the vacuuming is successful, sometimes you end up replacing the pipe. So, um the more that we can do to create um awareness u to educate the public that all of these storm drains, the water goes somewhere. [laughter] And um we clean the streets more rapidly now so there's less stuff to go down into the storm drains. Um we have green up Ashlin. It's all part of the web, if you will, this picture of of helping to make um Ashlin cleaner and more environmentally responsible.
One of which is goal setting. You know, talking about their future, um helping them see what's available to them. Students don't know what they don't know. And that's where a mentor can really help. And we're happy to report that out of um you know, average of five stars. Um over four um stars on each of those stats looking at that mentor students feel encouraged by a mentor. they're achieving and setting goals um with the mentor's help and they're talking about their future. You know that this is someone that they've trusted about that they trusted and built a meaningful relationship that now they know will be supported even maybe beyond school as well. >> And I just started speaking I talked about the scholarships. In addition to that, like I mentioned, we've been trying to support our um students in the academy specifically as they determine what their career path looks like.
And whereas NJAC 6A colon 23A-3.3 Um, stated requires board uh board members to receive approval of these expenses by a majority of the full boarding membership of the board, and staff members to receive prior approval of these expenses by the superintendent of the schools and majority of the full boarding membership of the board. And whereas the Pompton Board of Education established the $57,500 as the maximum travel amount for the current school year and has expended $16,594 as of this date. Yeah. Now, therefore, be resolved the Board of Education approves the travel and related expense reimbursements in accordance with N.J.A.C. 6A:23A-7.3 to maximum expenditure of $57,500 for the 2026-27 school year. Be further resolved that the school business administrator shall track and record these costs to ensure that maximum amount is not exceeded. And whereas that the Board of Education includes in the final budget the adjustment for increased cost of health benefits in the amount of $1,335,344.
So, as part of this awareness project um a few years ago, we became aware actually through the town of NITC uh where they um have a very active sustainability agent and and she I think hired someone. I I don't know all the story there, but they painted at their main intersection of 27 and 135 uh forced storm drains there. Um it was written up in the paper, you know, all of the the normal, you know, media announcements and things like that. So, um I don't want to do a lot of these. I mean, it's this logistically it's um you know, takes time putting this all together, but we do, as I said, have the high school club, the Girl Scouts that did the stenciling this weekend would like to do one, and I have shown them the one in the town hall parking lot right in the center there.
Um I know we have Sean here. I decided to use your picture, Sean, the first one on my um gallery. And um Sean and colleagues from the city of Danbury's HR department did talk to students about, you know, what it means to be interviewed and HR and what that world looks like. And we've really tried our best to help all themies consistently in finding speakers to talk about their career fields and make those connections we heard earlier tonight um because students really need to see what it looks like to understand what it would be to become a lawyer to work as an engineer and to hear the honest stories from these um people from the field. And then most recently we brought in a we brought a group of students um to different campuses throughout Connecticut. We went to Southern, Central, Westcon, and Nuk Valley Community College and Waterberry to again expose students to what is available to them.
The additional funds will be used to pay for the additional increases in health benefit premiums. Whereas that the Board of Education includes in the tentative budget the adjustment for the bank cap on the amount of $6,263,084 in accordance in accordance with N.J.A.C. 6A:23A-10.3B, the district has fully exhausted all eligible statutory spending authority. The adjustment will be used for the tuition paid for Vo-Tech programs. The Board of Education will complete this by June 30, 2027 and acknowledges that it cannot be deferred or incrementally completed over a longer period of the time. Whereas the the Bamberg Board of Education approved the tentative 2026-2027 school district budget on March 23, 2026. And whereas the Bamberg Board of Education received approval from the Somerset County Executive Superintendent of Schools to advertise the 2026-2027 school district budget on April 22nd, 2026. And whereas pursuant to PL 2020 2020 C11, the Bamberg Board of Education held a public hearing on the proposed 2026-2027 school district budget on April 29, 2026.
Uh that particular storm drain had to be repaired a couple years back because the folks who then owned Nicks were pouring things down into the drain. U there have been similar problems at at one of the Chinese restaurants in town and people just don't know that it's not that they're doing something to be malicious. So, um, we'd like to, you know, pick a few and, um, and in a way let the participants decide with with the committee's approval what the design will be. These that I put on the poster for you are just some that I gathered from around the country. Um, there are literally probably hundreds of municipalities throughout the country that are doing this. So, so we'd like your general permission. um um to to do a handful. We'd like to do one like at the community center, uh Front Street near Farmers Market, maybe in the parking lot, maybe a couple along the edge of the road, places where people traffic.
So students that had a mentor were given preference preference to attend these trips, but we also expanded and offered it to other students as well. And the newest program that we've launched this year, we've called connect to careers where we've partnered up with Beringer Ingleheim and Junior Achievement to pilot hybrid mentoring. So in this program students specifically in the scientific innovation and medicine academy have been partnered with um scientists and mentors in clinical development and all um pharmaceutical areas um for bearing Ingleheim to work on a project um posed by junior achievement and the students are actually presenting their projects tomorrow morning over the blackbox at D High School West. So we really kept this a small pilot to see what works and what it could look like in the future. um knowing that you know there's of course some hiccups with virtual mentoring but on the whole it's worked out very well.
And whereas uh board members and the community were provided the opportunity during the public hearing to ask questions or raise concerns regarding the 2026-2027 proposed school district budget. Now, therefore, be resolved that the Bamberg Board of Education hereby adopts 2026-2027 school district budget and authorize the superintendent and school business administrator to complete and forward statement eight of the budget statement certification to the Somerset Executive Superintendent of Schools, which certifies that the 2026-2027 adopted budget remains unchanged from the original budget approved for advertising. Now, therefore, let it be resolved that the superintendent of schools and the business administrator board secretary file the required documents with the executive county superintendent. So, can I have a motion? Motion. I don't get to make the motion. I never get to make the motion. Second, please. Second. I think it's second. I'll go Mr. Dawson. Okay, now we open the floor for the public hearing.