SUPERINTENDENT PRESENTS SCHOOL BUDGET RECOMMENDATIONS TO BOARD OF EDUCATION AT HERITAGE VILLAGE, FEBRUARY 9

January 29, 2004--Balancing the community’s expectations for a good school system with the economic realities residents are facing today, Dr. Frank H. Sippy, Pomperaug Regional School District 15 school superintendent, will present his 2004-05 school budget recommendations to the Region 15 Board of Education at their meeting on February 9, 2004 at 7:30pm at Heritage Village in Southbury. Upon consideration of his recommendations, the Board will then strive to develop a fiscally responsible school budget while not compromising the needs of the Region’s 4,500 students.

“Many bright, cost-conscious individuals gave input to these recommendations. The elected members of the Region 15 Board of Education, the school administrators, teachers, and staff work tirelessly day in and day out to provide the best education possible for the children and keep folks informed about the schools,” said Dr. Frank H. Sippy, Region 15 school superintendent. “These men and women are not self-appointed watchdogs, but rather diligent, responsible professionals who strive toward a quality, cost-effective education for the young residents of Middlebury and Southbury.”

For the past three months, administrators have solicited feedback from concerned citizens in preparation for the upcoming school year’s budget. Furthermore, the Board of Education encourages citizens to make short statements or ask questions during the Citizens’ Comments part of their meeting.

“We are looking forward to hearing Dr. Sippy’s recommendations and hearing from residents on Monday night. I am confident the Board will design a budget that is both fair to the students and the taxpaying public,” said Joseph J. Drauss, chairperson of the Region 15 Board of Education. “Tough economic times have compelled us to make the 2004-05 budget, like last year’s, lean and mean, without sacrificing the education of the students. We’ll continue to allocate our resources toward achieving academic excellence, but with an ever-critical eye on the bottom line.”

Directions to Heritage Village Activities Building:

Beginning at Heritage Road, on Route 67 (Main Street North, Southbury) 1/4 mile past

Southbury Plaza, across from new medical building.

Proceed on Heritage Road through traffic light, approximately 0.6 miles, road curving right, to FRIENDLY’S Restaurant at comer of VILLAGE STREET.  Take LEFT onto Village Street proceed to end, bear right, proceed 0.1 mile uphill, turn left onto NORTH POND DRIVE.

Proceed on North Pond Drive 0.1 mile to first intersection.

You may now proceed across road into LOWER PARKING AREA, or turn left and proceed into UPPER PARKING AREA (Road ends just beyond entrance to Upper Parking Area.)

Walkway at far end of each parking area will lead to Activities Building. Heritage Hall on the right.