Board of Finance - Minutes - 03/25/2026

FIFTEEN ROPE FERRY ROAD
WATERFORD, CT 06385-2886
PHONE: 860-442-0553
worn.waterfordctorg
Board of Finance Wednesday, March 25, 2026
Public Hearing/Special Hearing Minutes Town Hall Auditorium 7:00 pm
Present: Chairman Glenn Patterson, Bill Sheehan, Robert Tuneski, Michael Rocchetti, Ann Peabody, Joseph
Filippetti (via cell phone), and Jerry Fischer
Elected: First Selectman Robert Brule; David Campo, Town Clerk; Susan Driscoll, RTM Moderator; Deb
Roselli Kelly, BOE Chair; Marcia Benvenuti, BOE
Staff: Jeffrey Robillard, 1T Manager; Paige Walton, Assessor; Thomas Giard, Superintendent of Schools;
Christine Walters, Director of Human Resources; Gary Schneider, Director of Public Works; Chris.
Haley, Director of Fire Services; Steven Sinagra, Director of Emergency Management; David
Ferland, Lieutenant Police Department; Mark Wujtewicz, Planning Director; Ryan McNamara,
Director Recreation & Parks; Dani Gorman, Human Services Administrator; Christine Johnson,
Library Director; Jill Stevens, Director Utility Commission; Rebecca Hall, Admin Assistant Finance
Office/BOF Recording Secretary
1, _ Establishment of a quorum and call to order:
A quorum was established and the Public Hearing of all Town budgets for Fiscal Year 2026/2027
of the Board of Finance was called to order at 7:00pm on March 25, 2026.
An opening statement regarding the final action budget process was made by Glenn Patterson,
Chairman.
2. Public Comment (all attached to these minutes):
a. Marcia Benvenuti, 1 Raymond Lane (read at meeting) Ss oR
b. James Nicholas, 15A Shore Road (read at meeting & email) 2 gm
¢. Jennifer Nicholas, 15A Shore Road (read at meeting) Bam
d. Chelsey Roberts, 8 Trumbull Road (read at meeting) 1a
fe. Karryne Fox, 261 Shore Road (email) 33
f. Brianna Hogarty, 50 Dimmock Road (email) U ER
8. Becca Brody, 57 Lamphere Road (email) P48
h. Laura Rodriguez, 20 Shore Road (email) 4 8
i, Erin McNamara, 25 Tiffany Ave (email)
j. Maggie Sullivan, 10 Perry Ave (email) .
Motion by Bill Sheehan and seconded by Robert Tuneski to adjourn the public hearing at 7:24pm.
Vote: 7-0-0 Motion: Passed

Board of Finance Budget Minutes ~ March 25, 2026
Page 2
‘Motion by Bill Sheehan and seconded by Robert Tuneski to reorder the agenda to hear Board of Education as first
line item.
Vote: 7-0-0 Motion: Passed
3. Final Budgetary Action:
Motion by Bill Sheehan and seconded by Michael Rocchetti to consider the budget requests as
designated by the series subtotals above without individual motions for each series and
department to expedite the meeting. Bill Sheehan will make the motion on all budgets and
Michael Rocchetti will second the motion.
Vote: 7-0-0 Motion: Passed
Standing Motion to consider the Board of Education budget request for $62,540,629.
Motion by Bill Sheehan and seconded by Ann Peabody to add $330,000 back to the Board of Education
budget to give a revised total of $62,870,629.
Vote: 3-4-0 No: Patterson, Rocchetti, Filippetti, Tuneski Motion: Failed
Motion by Jerry Fischer and seconded by Ann Peabody to restore $100,000 back to the Board of
Education budget to give a revised total of $62,640,629.
Vote: 5-2-0 No: Rocchetti, Tuneski Motion: Passed
‘* Board of Education (10160) in the amount of $62,640,629
Vote: 7-0-0
* Board of Selectmen (10101) in the amount of $207,470
Vote: 7-0-0 Motion: Passed
© Registrar of Vi 10102) in the amount of $126,410
Vote: 7-0-0
‘+ Board of Finance (10103) in the amount of $86,406
Vote: 7-0-0 Motion: Passed
‘Motion by Glenn Patterson and seconded by Bill Sheehan to reduce the Assessor's budget by $12,064 to give a
revised subtotal of $321,296.
Vote: 7-0-0 Motion: Passed
© Assessor (10204) in the revi
d amount of $339,196
Vote: 7-0-0 Motion: Passed

Board of Finance Budget Minutes ~ March 25, 2026
Page 3
Board of Assessment Appeals (10105) in the amount of $5,693
Vote: 7-0-0 Motion: Passed
‘Tax Collector (10106) in the amount of $233,609
Vote: 7-0-0 Motion: Passed
Finance Department (10107) in the amount of $805,507
Vote: 7-0-0 Motion: Passed
Legal Department (10108) in the amount of $295,000
Vote: 7-0-0 Motion:
assed
‘Town Clerk (10109) in the amount of $271,688
Vote: 7-0-0 Motion: Passed
Planning & Zoning Department (10110) in the amount of $699,654
Vote: 7-0-0
Building Maintenance (10111) in the amount of $1,217,876
Vote: 7-0-0 Motion: Passed
Motion by Bill Sheehan and seconded by Michael Rocchetti to reduce the Insurance budget by $58,715.
Vote: 7-0-0 Motion: Passed
insurance (10112) in the revised amount of $5,863,439
Vote: 7-0-0 Motion: Passed
Economic Development Commission (10113) in the amount of $25,407
Vote: 7-0-0 Motion: Passed
Conservation Commission (10114) in the amount of $18,250
Vote: 7-0-0 Motion: Passed
Zoning Board of Appeals (10115) in the amount of $4,310
Vote: 7-0-0 Motion: Passed

Board of Finance Budget Minutes ~ March 25, 2026
Page 4
Motion by Glenn Patterson and seconded by Jerry Fischer to reduce the Retirement budget by $1,183,112,
* Retirement Commission (10116) in the revised amount of $6,112,411
Vote: 6-1-0 No: Sheehan Motion: Passed
+ Representative Town Meeting (10117) in the amount of $17,802
Vote: 7-0-0 Motion: Passed
‘* Building Department (10118) in the amount of $355,537
Vote: 7-0-0 Motion: Passed
+ Youth & Family Services (10119) in the amount of $292,078
Vote: 7-0-0 Motion: Passed
* Social Service Grants/Misc. (10120) in the amount of $122,825
Vote: 7-0-0 Motion: Passed
* Contingency (10121)
the amount of $285,000
Vote: 7-00 Motion: Passed
* Emergency Management (10122) in the amount of $1,270,180
Vote: 7-0-0
* Fire Services (10123) in the amount of $4,345,218
Vote: 7-0-0 Motion: Passed
* Police Commission (10129) in the amount of $7,307,124
Vote: 7-00 Motion: Passed
* Public Works (10130) in the amount of $5,312,218
Vote: 7-0-0
* Conservation of Health (10132) in the amount of $160,368
Vote: 7-0-0

Board of Finance Budget Minutes ~ March 25, 2026
Pages
* Public Health Nursing Service (10133) in the amount of $17,280
Vote: 7-0-0 Motion: Passed
‘+ Senior Services Commission (10135) in the amount of $528,682
Vote: 7-0-0 Motion: Passed
‘* Waterford Public Library (10136) in the amount of $1,045,991
Vote: 7-0-0 Motion: Passed
* Recreation & Parks Commission (10137) in the amount of $1,608,405
Vote: 7-0-0
* Flood & Erosion Control Board (10141) in the amount of $1,104
Vote: 7-0-0 Motion: Passed
‘* Ethics Commission (10143) in the amount of $900
Vote: 7-0-0 Motion: Passed
* Human Resources (10145) in the amount of $256,477
Vote: 7-0-0 Motion: Passed
* Information Technology (10147) in the amount of $1,380,069
Vote: 7-0-0 Motion: Passed
* Debt Service (10139) in the amount of $7,922,996
Vote: 7-0-0 Motion: Passed
‘Motion by Glenn Patterson and seconded by Bill Sheehan to reduce the Current Year Capital Improvement budget
by $175,000.
* Current Year Capital !mprovement (10138) in the revised amount of $3,364,490
Vote: 7-0-0 Motion: Passed
* Transfers to Capital and Non-Recurring Expenditure Fund (10140) in the amount of
16,971
Vote: 7-0-0 Motion: Passed

Board of finance Budget Minutes ~ March 25, 2026
Page 6
* General Government Operations Subtotal in the amount of $40,619,584
Vote: 7-0-0 Motion: Passed
* Total Capital & Debt Service in the amount of $12,104,457
Vote: 7-0-0 Motion: Passed
Motion by Robert Tuneski and seconded by Michael Rocchetti to accept the Total of General Government
Operations + Capital & Debt Service in the amount of $52,724,041.
Vote: 7-0-0 Motion: Passed
Town of Waterford total budget FY26-27 in the amount of $15,364,670, and forward on
to the RTM.
Vote: 7-0-0 Motion: Passed
4, Adjournment:
Motion by Bill Sheehan and seconded by Robert Tuneski to adjourn the Budget Meeting of the
Board of Finance at 8:15pm.
Vote: 7-0-0
Motion: Passed
Respectively Submitted,
Bill Shéehan, Clerk Rebecca L. Hall, Secret&ry
Attachments:
Marcia Benvenuti, Public Comment
James Nicholas, Public Comment
Jennifer Nicholas, Public Comment
Chelsey Roberts, Public Comment
Karryne Fox, Public Comment
Brianna Hogarty, Public Comment
Becca Brody, Public Comment
Laura Rodriguez, Public Comment
Erin McNamara, Public Comment
Maggie Sullivan, Public Comment

Marcia Benvenuti 1 Raymond Lane - BOF 3/25/26 BOF
1am addressing you tonight as a very, very, senior citizen,
a lifelong resident, a graduate of WHS, a mother and grandmother
whose children and grandchildren attended and graduated from
Waterford Public Schools with one still attending WHS.
1am a homeowner.
{am on a fixed income.
| am not extravagant nor irresponsible when it comes to spending
money, and some might even call me frugal.
| am also, however, a firm believer in the value of education as an
avenue to economic and emotional success in life.
A great education can change one’s future.
Waterford residents realize that and choose to live here because of
our excellent educational system.
The town boards must weigh the pro’s and con’s of funding a system
that is not just adequate, but aggressive in fulfilling the needs of all its
students.
That costs money.
An astronomical sum of millions, which is higher than the town
budget.
But why is that?
Well it’s because the BOE maintains more buildings and grounds than
the town.
it employs more staff than the town and delivers more services to its’
citizens than the town.
Those services are life changing for many of its’ students.
Because the BOE budget is so large, it is an easy target for a quick fix
to the projected mill rate. So the BOF has proposed a $459k
reduction. That figure was compiled using $129k in insurance
savings, $45k for a family liaison position, $75K for an IT person and
$220k for two elementary teachers.

The $129k is a given reduction, proposed by the superintendent. The
teaching positions -and even the IT position, however, are critical to
the delivery of an educational system Waterford citizens deserve and
expect.
The BOE received numerous letters and heard from a multitude of
taxpayers - all pleading for the reinstatement of elementary teachers,
the diverse needs of their children, and the value of small class sizes.
They cited research explaining the benefits of small class sizes
especially at the elementary level. They spoke of the increasing
emotional and social developmental needs of the classes.
They reiterated how intervention is more effective and often remedied
at an early age when classes are kept small, leading to academic
proficiency and emotional stability.
Thus, the BOE’s budget included two more elementary teachers than
the Superintendent’s budget proposal.
So now the question for the BOF is: can the taxpayers afford it?
The answer is YES.
The cost to the average Waterford taxpayer for $330k is $18 per year,
as calculated using current total budget figures.
Can | - that single homeowner on a fixed budget and other taxpayers
afford that?
Yes | can, and | think others can as well.
For that $18,i+ will see the educational standards Waterford residents
expect continue.
T-+will see student thrive and not just survive.
All for an extra $18 per year!
Therefore, | ask you the BOF to rethink your previous motion and
restore $330k to the BOE budget.

Rebecca Hall
a — —— —
From: Jimmy Nicholas <jimmy@jimmyconsulting.com>
se Wednesday, March 25, 2026 5:51 AM
T gpatters512@gmail.com; Rebecca Hall; Kimberly Allen; Joseph Mancini
Jennifer Nicholas
Subject: Supporting the BOE Budget as Approved - Research and Data Enclosed
Attachments: Jennifer-Nicholas-Letter-March-2026 pdf; Waterford-Data-Addendum-March-2026 pdf;
Waterford-Fact-Sheet-March-2026,pdf
! CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. i
1 Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender's email address and know the 1
1 content is safe. 1
Chairman Patterson, Ms. Allen, Ms. Hall, and Mr. Mancini,
My name is James "Jimmy" Nicholas. I've been a Waterford resident for 39 years, a business taxpayer for 25,
and a resident taxpayer for 20. I currently serve on the Economic Development Commission. My wife, Jennifer,
has been a resident taxpayer for 20 years and has volunteered at Great Neck Elementary for four years. Our son
Carter is finishing fourth grade there.
Tam writing to ask the Board of Finance and the Representative Town Meeting to support the Board of
Education's FY27 budget as approved.
Lunderstand the fiscal pressures facing Waterford. As a business owner and EDC member, I constantly think
about the town's economic competitiveness. That perspective is exactly why this budget matters.
Carter's cohort is directly affected. His class is moving from four sections of 15-16 students to three sections of
21-22, a 37% increase. The class below him faces an even larger jump: 41 students currently in three sections of
approximately 14 will move to two sections of 20-21, a 43% increase. Same students. One fewer teacher. Back-
to-back grade levels at the same school.
Jennifer wrote a letter to the Board of Finance about this, which I have attached. To supplement her letter with
research and data, I have also enclosed a one-page fact sheet and a full data addendum that includes citations
from peer-reviewed studies, verified enrollment data, competitive school rankings, and economic analysis.
Three points I'd ask you to consider:
1. First Selectman Brule stated in his FY27 budget message that Waterford continues to prioritize "a level
of education we expect in town." The enclosed research supports that commitment and shows what
maintaining that level requires.
2. Electric Boat is bringing 3,000 to 5,000 employees to the Crystal Mall on Route 85 starting mid-2027.
Where those families choose to live will be determined largely by school quality. Waterford and Groton
have nearly identical home values ($404,000 vs. $411,000). Our schools are the only differentiator.

3. The two teaching positions cost approximately $214,000, as calculated by the BOE's Director of Finance
at the February 26 meeting. That represents 0.3% of the total budget increase. The BOE voted to retain
them with no opposition. We are asking the Board of Finance and RTM to support that decision.
Waterford has been making smart investments in education for years, and the results show: top 25% of
Connecticut districts, WHS ranked #21 statewide, teacher attrition at 4.7% versus the state average of 6.8%,
This budget keeps that commitment intact.
Thank you for your service to the town and for your time reviewing these materials.
Respectfully,
James "Jimmy" Nicholas
&
Jennifer Nicholas

Nicholas Family
Public Comment by James Nicholas
Board of Finance FY27 Budget Public Hearing
March 25, 2026
Before | begin, | do want to thank each and every one of you for your service to this town. | get
it's a thankless job, and you have to put a lot of long hours in and make very tough decisions for
this community.
| appreciate you taking the time to hear from a concerned parent and taxpayer tonight. Many of
you know me. For those of you who don't, I've lived in Waterford since I was about six years old.
I went to Quaker Hill, Clark Lane, and Waterford High School. | started my first official business
as a sophomore at Waterford High. That same business, | had office space in many different
locations throughout Waterford until one day | sold that business to private equity.
Today, I'm proud to serve on the Economic Development Commission and be starting my
second business. My wife, Jennifer, submitted a letter to this board about class sizes. |
submitted a data addendum with research to support it and a one-page fact sheet. You should
have both, but | will submit them as written to give to you as well.
As a business owner and a member of the EDC, | can certainly appreciate being fiscally
responsible. Cutting teachers and combining classes can look perfect on a budget spreadsheet.
However, there are intangibles that don't show up on any spreadsheet. Thankfully, we have a
forum like this where concerned citizens can share some of those intangibles.
I'm going back probably about 35 years ago. My mother and father attended a meeting just like
this one while | was attending Quaker Hill School. Class sizes were on the table then, too, The
board at the time made the right call and kept them small,
My parents have been residents of Waterford and taxpayers for about 39 years. They are stil
here, still paying around $8,000 a year in taxes. My mother still substitutes at Great Neck
because she loves these kids. She taught in the New London public school system for over 30
years. She would tell you the same thing that the research says. Bigger classes mean less
individual attention and more behavioral problems. That was true in her 30 years of experience,
and it is true today.
Now, while | can't prove that keeping my class sizes small throughout my Waterford education
is the reason why I'm standing here today as a successful business owner paying over $40,000
a year in property taxes on my home, vehicles, and businesses, the research is unequivocally
clear. Investing in children during elementary school is critical for long-term development. If
keeping class sizes small helped me even a little, that one decision produced a $40,000 a year
taxpayer. I'm just one student.
Public Record

Nicholas Family
Many of my high school classmates who I see here tonight, and others who aren't here, live in
Waterford. That most likely has a lot to do with the school system here. Beyond being a
taxpayer, | enjoy helping this town grow through my business expertise and through my role on
the EDC.
Itis my understanding that the Board of Education voted to retain two of three teaching
positions. That vote passed with no opposition. Now, this board has reduced their budget by
another $330,000 on top of that. That puts everything that the Board of Education fought to
protect at risk.
This could directly affect my son's cohort. The same group of students who went from four
classes down to three just a couple of years ago. It did not last more than one year. Behavioral
issues increased. The class could not even go on their end of the year field trip. The district
reversed it, and this year there are four classes with a lower number of students and the kids
are thriving. Now, under this plan, that same cohort could go backwards again for their final year
at Great Neck. We already ran this experiment with these exact students, and we already know
the outcome.
As we know, Electric Boat is bringing thousands of employees to the Crystal Mall facility right
here on Route 85 in Waterford. One of the biggest factors those families will use to choose
where to live is school quality. Right now, Waterford and Groton have nearly identical home
values. Our schools are the only thing separating us. If our rankings decline, we lose families to
East Lyme and Old Lyme. if they hold, we capture families and tax revenue for decades.
These problems end up costing the town far more than a teacher's salary. The research shows
that early intervention in elementary school costs about $200 to $500 per student with an 85%
to 95% success rate. When you miss that window and have to intervene later, that cost jumps to
$10,000 to $20,000 per student with only a 15% to 30% success rate. Grade retention alone
costs the district $5,700 to $6,600 per student. Special education referrals triggered by
unidentified learning differences cost $6,500 or more per year. We can invest now or pay
significantly more later.
| understand this board reduced the Board of Education budget in terms of what they asked on
their increase by about $330,000, and I'm asking you to restore that reduction. That budget
reflected the 5.3% increase of which 5% is contractual and fixed costs, salaries, health
insurance, things that cannot be negotiated away. The money this board removed is where the
students feel the impact. It is where the class sizes get decided.
'm not asking you to tell the Board of Education how to spend it. | know you can't do that, and
that is their job. I'm asking you to give them the tools to do it right. Everything is moving faster
today. The last thing we should be doing is making class sizes bigger.
Not every student who goes through this system will stay in Waterford, but the ones who do stay
for a reason. I stayed, my parents stayed, and we are very grateful for our teachers, Let's keep
them in our town where currently the attrition is lower than surrounding towns.
Public Record

Nicholas Family
Investing in education invests in the town's future. The Lyme-Old Lyme High Schoo! principal,
James Wygonik, whose school ranks number eight in Connecticut, described the district's
investment philosophy at a January 2026 board meeting: “It's the price we pay for the success
we have.”
Waterford has been paying that price for years, and the results show. By restoring the $330,000
that was removed, it keeps the same investment philosophy intact,
\ cannot speak directly for First Selectman Brule. However, he said it himself in his budget
message: Waterford prioritizes a level of education we expect in town. By adding back in that
$330,000, | am personally asking this board to fund that expectation.
Thank you.
Public Record

DATA ADDENDUM
Supporting Research for Maintaining
Smaller Class Sizes in Waterford Schools
A Companion to Jennifer Nicholas's Letter to the Board of Finance
#14 43%
Elementary Enrollment Class Size Increase
Growth (oNor 4)
$214K
Cost of Two Teachers
0.3%
Budget Share
James and Jennifer Nicholas
Waterford Residents and Taxpayers
Business Taxpayer | Economic Development Commission Member
Parents, Great Neck Elementary School
March 2026

Nicholas Family | Data Addendum
1. Gratitude and Context
The Nicholas family is grateful to the Board of Finance, the Board of Education, and the Representative
‘Town Meeting for their continued investment in Waterford's public schools. We recognize that the FY27
Board of Education budget received an increase, and we understand the fiscal pressures facing every
department in town.
This addendum is not about opposing the budget process. It is about providing research and data that
we believe strengthen the case for maintaining smaller class sizes at the elementary level, particularly
at Great Neck Elementary School.
The attached letter from Jennifer Nicholas was written entirely without Al assistance. It reflects the
personal concem of a parent whose son, Carter, will be directly affected by the proposed section
reductions. This addendum supplements her letter with peer-reviewed research, verified enrollment
data, competitive school rankings, and economic analysis drawn from 32 research reports across
multiple platforms.
CONTEXT
First Selectman Brule stated in his FY27 budget message that Waterford continues to
prioritize "a level of education we expect in town." This addendum provides the research
showing what that level of education requires,
2. What the Enrollment Data Actually Shows
Waterford's elementary enrollment is growing. The district-wide enrollment increases from 2,219 to
2,227 students (+8) in FY27. Elementary enrollment grows from 1,004 to 1,018 (+14 students), the
fastest growth of any level. Cutting class sections in a growing district is a staffing decision, not an
enrollment necessity.
Level FY26 FY27 Change
Elementary (K-5 + PK) 1,004 1,018 +14
‘CLMS (Middle School) 506 499 7
WHS (High Schoo!) 686 687 4
Total District 2,219 2,227 +8
‘Source: Waterford Public Schools 2026-27 (FY27) Projected Enrollment, as of October 1, 2026.
The FY27 Great Neck Grade 4 Example
The strongest example in the enrollment data involves 41 students currently in Grade 3 at Great Neck
Elementary. These students are spread across three sections of approximately 14 students each in
FY26. In FY27, the same 41 students will move to Grade 4 with only two sections of 20-21 students
each. No students left. No students arrived. The only change is one fewer teacher. Class sizes
increase 43%.
Page 2 | Prepared for the Waterford Board of Finance

Nicholas Family | Data Addendum
Great Neck Grade 4 FY27 | FY26 (Current Gr.
Students 4
Sections 3 2
Students per Section ~14 20-21
Change in Class Size +43%
PRECEDENT |
Great Neck Elementary already tried reducing sections for this same cohort in a prior year
and had to reverse the decision. The district has direct experience showing this approach
does not work for these students. |
The pattern repeats in the grade above. Current Grade 4 students at Great Neck move from 4 sections
of 15-16 to 3 sections of 21-22 in Grade 5, a 37% increase. Back-to-back grade levels at the same
school would face the same reduction.
3. The Research on Class Size and Academic Outcomes
The Tennessee STAR study remains the most rigorous class-size experiment ever conducted. It
followed 11,571 students across 79 schools using randomized assignment. Students in smaller
classes (13-17 students) outperformed those in larger classes (22-26) by 0.22 standard deviations,
equivalent to two to three additional months of schooling per year. The study tested exactly the range
Waterford is considering moving from 14 to 21 students per class.
These gains are amplified for the students who need them most. Effects were 2-3 times larger for
minority students. For students eligible for free lunch who spent four years in small classes,
graduation rates rose from 70% to 88%. This is directly relevant to Waterford, where multilingual
learners have increased 117% since 2019 (from 62 to 135 students), approximately 33% of students
qualify for free or reduced lunch, and 19% have IEPs. Smaller classes are not equally important for
all students. They matter most for the students whose needs are growing fastest in Waterford.
Harvard economist Raj Chetty's analysis of the STAR data found that students in smaller K-3 classes
were 2 percentage points more likely to attend college by age 20. He estimated the lifetime value of
a single year in a high-quality kindergarten classroom at approximately $750,000 per student.
The Tipping Point
Research identifies a clear threshold pattern. Below 15 students, academic gains are strongest.
Between 18 and 20, returns begin to diminish. Above 20, negative effects on learning become
consistently measurable across studies.
Page 3 | Prepared for the Waterford Board of Finance

Nicholas Family | Data Addendum
Individual Attention
Peter Blatchford's study of 34,420 classroom observations found that for every 5-student increase in
class size, the odds of a student receiving individual attention dropped by 27% (odds ratio 0.73).
Teachers in classes of 14 provide approximately 26 minutes of individualized feedback per student
per day. At 21 students, that drops to 17 minutes, a 35% reduction. Learning difficulties are identified
9 weeks earlier in smaller classes. Sources: Finn & Achilles (1990), Tennessee STAR Study; Chetty etal. (2011);
Blatchford et al, CSPAR study (34,420 observations)
4. Behavioral Impact and Teacher Burden
STAR data shows students in larger classes are twice as likely to be off-task during instruction.
Research documents a 30-53% increase in behavioral incidents for lower-attaining students with
every 5-student increase in class size.
‘Teachers in larger classes lose approximately 2.4 hours per week to behavioral disruptions. Over a
school year, this equals roughly 15 lost instructional days. A 2025 Danish study confirmed that larger K-
2 classes significantly increase physical and emotional distress among young students.
Teacher Retention
A 3-student decrease in class size reduces teacher departure probability by 4.2 percentage points.
Waterford's teacher attrition rate is 4.7% compared to the state average of 6.8% and New London's
20.1%. This retention advantage is Waterford's competitive strength, and research shows class-size
benefits flow almost entirely through experienced teachers. Replacing experienced teachers with
novice hires eliminates the academic gains small classes provide.
The Connecticut Education Association's 2024 survey of 5,016 Connecticut teachers found that 98%
cite burnout and 70% would discourage others from entering the profession. Connecticut currently has
1,221 unfilled teaching vacancies, with 71% of districts reporting open positions.
‘Sources: Tennessee STAR Study; Blatchford et al.; CEA 2024 Survey (n=5,016); CT State Department of Education vacancy
data.
Waterford's Changing Demographics
As noted in Section 3, Waterford's student population is growing more diverse and more complex. The
district now serves 24 languages daily across 270+ families. Great Neck is legally required by
Connecticut law to maintain a bilingual program. SBAC scores remain 10-12 percentage points below
pre-pandemic levels. Elementary schools have no counselors, only social workers covering IEP
hours. Larger classes compound every one of these challenges.
5. Where Waterford Stands Competitively
Waterford's schools currently rank in the top 25% of all Connecticut districts on the state's Next
Generation Accountability Index, which measures 22 indicators of school quality. Waterford is ranked
first among districts with similar free and reduced lunch rates (28-38%) and second in its DERG-D peer
group of 26 demographically similar towns.
These rankings are the product of years of investment, including a commitment to smaller class sizes at
the elementary level. BOE Secretary Marcia Benvenuti stated on February 12, 2026: “Elementary
students improved substantially because of our commitment to small class sizes over the last
few years.”
Page 4 | Prepared for the Waterford Board of Finance

Nicholas Family | Data Addendum
US News Elementary School Rankings (out of 835 CT Schools)
Town School US News Rank
Old Lyme Mile Creek School #50
East Lyme Lillie B. Haynes #105
East Lyme Flanders #17
Old Lyme Lyme Consolidated #124
Waterford Oswegatchie #127
Waterford Great Neck #146
East Lyme Niantic Center #159
Waterford Quaker Hill #264
Waterford's elementary schools currently compete with East Lyme and Old Lyme. Groton's district
ranks #102 of 158 statewide on Niche (grade: B) compared to Waterford's #35 (grade: A-). Old
Lyme's high school jumped from #34 to #8 in Connecticut during a period when it protected small class
sizes. Oswegatchie improved from #340 to #127 during a period of declining enrollment and stable
staffing. The trajectory matters.
‘Sources: US News & World Report 2025 Elementary Rankings; Niche.com 2025 District Rankings; CT Next Generation
‘Accountability Index.
6. The Electric Boat Opportunity
General Dynamics Electric Boat acquired the Crystal Mall on Route 85 in Waterford in October 2025.
‘The 542,000 square-foot facility on 42 acres will house 3,000 to 5,000 employees beginning mid-
2027. EB is hiring 8,000 workers in 2026 (2,250 in the Groton area). A $15.4 billion Columbia-class
contract modification was secured on March 23, 2026. This is decades of sustained growth, not a
temporary spike.
Research shows 82% of Groton's 27,000 workers commute from outside the city. School quality is
the primary reason families choose surrounding towns over Groton. Among military families, 37%
moved specifically for school quality, twice the civilian rate. Waterford is described as “the most
requested school district among SUBASE families with children."
THE WINDOW
The 2026-2028 window is Waterford's leverage point. As thousands of new EB employees
choose where to five, school quality will determine which town captures their families, their
property tax revenue, and their community investment. Once families settle, word-of-mouth
reinforces the pattern for years.
Page 5 | Prepared for the Waterford Board of Finance

Nicholas Family | Data Addendum
7. The Economic Case
Brookings Institution research shows that homes near high-performing schools are valued $205,000
higher on average. Properties in districts rated 9-10 on GreatSchools command a 22-28% premium.
Among homebuyers, 52% rank school district as important in their purchase decision. For buyers in
their 30s (the EB hiring demographic), that figure rises to 75%.
Competitive Positioning
Town Median Home Value | Niche Rank / Grade
Waterford $404,000 #35 / A-
East Lyme $500,000 #18-21/A
Old Lyme $621,000 Top 10/ At
‘Stonington $587,000 HAT IAS
Groton $411,000 #102/8
New London $304,000 #1471 C+
Waterford and Groton have nearly identical home values ($404,000 vs. $411,000). School quality is
the only differentiator separating Waterford from Groton in the eyes of homebuyers. If Waterford's
school rankings decline toward Groton’s level, no home-value cushion exists. The two teaching
positions cost $214,000. The competitive positioning of Waterford's schools protects a Grand List of
$4.5 billion.
Sources: Brookings Institution; National Association of Realtors; Zilow/Realtor.com median home sale data, 2025.
8. The Pipeline Effect
Elementary school quality is not an isolated outcome. It is the foundation of the entire district. Research
consistently shows that decisions made in grades K-5 cascade upward through middle school and high
school for years,
STAR study advantages persisted through 8th grade even after students returned to regular-sized
classes. The Annie E. Casey Foundation found that students who are not proficient readers by 3rd
grade are 4 times more likely to drop out of high school. For the approximately 33% of Waterford
students who qualify for free or reduced lunch, that multi rises to 6 times.
Early intervention costs $200 to $500 per student with an 85-95% success rate. Crisis intervention in
later grades costs $10,000 to $20,000 with only a 15-30% success rate. Investing at the elementary
level is not only better for students; it is dramatically less expensive for the district.
Waterford's own data confirms this pattern. Board Chair Benvenuti noted that elementary
performance improved under the commitment to small class sizes. Waterford High School
currently ranks #21 of 145 Connecticut high schools with three consecutive years of SAT increases.
The students arriving at WHS today went through elementary school when class sizes were smaller.
That is the pipeline. Protecting it protects the district's strongest competitive asset.
Sources: STAR longitudinal data; Annie E, Casey Foundation; WSIPP cost-benefit analyses; Waterford BOE minutes, 2/12/26.
Page 6 | Prepared for the Waterford Board of Finance

Nicholas Family | Data Addendum
9. The Cost of Getting This Wrong
The Economic Policy Institute and Alan Krueger's analysis of STAR data found that the lifetime benefits
of smaller classes run twice the costs, generating a 6% internal rate of return. The Washington State
Institute for Public Policy calculated a 99% probability that kindergarten class-size reduction
breaks even fiscally.
Hidden Costs of Larger Classes
Research documents costs that do not appear in the year a class section is cut but accumulate over
time: grade retention costs the district $5,700 to $6,600 per student. Special education referrals
triggered by unidentified learning differences cost $6,500 or more per year per student. Behavioral
intervention programs require additional staffing and resources.
The Enrollment Spiral
Bellwether Education Partners analyzed 9,300 school districts and found 68% are experiencing
declining enrollment. The pattern is consistent: perceived decline in school quality triggers departure of
higher-income, more engaged families first. Every 100 students lost costs a district approximately
$1 million in state funding. Once an enrollment decline begins, it persists for 10 or more years.
Cautionary Examples in the Region
Montville's elementary enrollment has declined 35% over the past decade, resulting in 28 teachers cut.
Norwich has cut 160 employees since 2010 while absorbing $9 million or more in special education
costs, New London's teacher attrition reached 20.1% (three times the state average), graduation
rates fell from 82% to 67%, and math proficiency dropped to 12.5%. Groton spent $90 million or more
on new magnet schools and still ranks #102 of 158 districts on Niche. Sources: EP/Krueger STAR cost-benefit
analysis; WSIPP; Bellwether Education Partners; CT State Department of Education.
10. What We Are Asking
The Board of Education voted to retain two teaching positions at Great Neck Elementary. That vote
passed with one abstention and no opposition. The final FY27 BOE budget of $62,999,628 passed with
no opposition or abstentions. The cost of those two positions is approximately $214,000, representing
0.34% of the $63 million budget and 0.3% of the total budget increase.
THE ASK
Board Chair Roselli-Kelley stated on February 26: "It really is only a 0.3% increase. | think
we can live with that in Waterford and deliver the right education for our students." |
We ask the Board of Finance and the Representative Town Meeting to support the Board of
Education's budget as approved. The research is clear: maintaining smaller class sizes at the
elementary level is an investment in Waterford's academic performance, competitive positioning,
property values, and long-term fiscal health.
Page 7 | Prepared for the Waterford Board of Finance

Nicholas Family | Data Addendum
Lyme-Old Lyme High School Principal James Wygonik, whose school ranks #8 in Connecticut,
described the district's investment philosophy at a January 2026 board meeting: ‘t's the price we pay
for the success we have."
Waterford has been paying that price for years, and the results show. This budget keeps that
commitment intact for $214,000."
11. Sources and Citations
Finn, J.D. & Achilles, C.M. (1990). Tennessee STAR Study: Student-Teacher Achievement Ratio experiment. 11,571 students,
79 schools, randomized design.
Chetty, R. et al. (2011). “How Does Your Kindergarten Classroom Affect Your Earnings?" Quarterly Journal of Economics.
Blatchford, P. et al. CSPAR Study: 34,420 classroom observations on class size and pedagogical interaction,
Annie €. Casey Foundation. “Early Warning: Why Reading by the End of Third Grade Matters."
Washington State Institute for Public Policy (WSIPP). Class-size reduction cost-benefit analysis.
Economie Policy Institute / Kruager, A. STAR cost-benefit analysis: 6% internal rate of retum.
Bellwether Education Partners. Analysis of enrolment dectine pattems across 9,900 U.S. district.
‘Connecticut Education Association (2024). Survey of 5,016 CT teachers on burnout and retention.
Brookings Institution. "Housing Costs, Zoning, and Access to High-Scoring Schools.”
National Association of Realtors. Survey data on school quality and homebuyer decisions.
US News & World Report (2025). Connecticut Elementary School Rankings.
Niche.com (2025). Connecticut School District Rankings.
CT Next Generation Accountability Index. 22-indicator school performance framework.
CT State Department of Education. Teacher vacancy and attrition data.
Waterford Public Schools. FY27 Projected Enrollment, as of October 1, 2025.
Waterford Board of Education meeting transcripts: January 8, February 5, February 12, February 26, 2026.
‘Town of Waterford. FY27 Budget documents and First Solactman's budget message.
General Dynamics Electric Boat. Crystal Mall acquisition (Oct 2025); Columbia-class contract ($15.4B, March 2026).
Page 8 | Prepared for the Waterford Board of Finance

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Jennifer Nicholas | Letter to the Board of Finance
Tuesday, March, 24 2026
Dear Board of Finance,
My name is Jennifer Nicholas and I'm a mother of a 4th grader at Great Neck Elementary
School. I'm writing to express my concern regarding a possible increase in the classroom size
for the upcoming school year affecting all the Waterford schools.
Classroom size matters a great deal for our young children and our teachers. Common sense
and quite a bit of research confirms this.
Studies have shown that children in smaller classes (1:15 or so) as compared to larger
classroom sizes, have higher test scores, participate more, demonstrate improved behavior and
have a closer relationship with their teachers. The research also shows that smaller classroom
sizes allow for more individual attention, which is especially helpful in reading and math where
students advance at different speeds. Additionally, smaller classes are linked to higher test
scores and better comprehension which improves academic outcomes. Teachers are able to
build closer connections, allowing the kids to feel comfortable seeking help when needed.
The Tennessee STAR Study, a landmark research project, demonstrated that students in
smaller classrooms (1:13-1:17) achieved long-term success and higher test scores, including
higher graduation rates. These benefits are particularly evident in younger grades, where early
literacy and numeracy skills form the foundation for future academic success (California
Department of Education).
Large class sizes not only negatively affect students but also contribute to teacher burnout.
According to research by the American Federation of Teachers (AFT), overcrowded classrooms
significantly increase teacher stress levels, making it difficult to manage the learning needs of
their students. Burnout leads to a lower level of instruction, higher teacher turnover, and overall
instability in the learning environment (Kidsdata.org).
Wouldn't we want to set up our children and our teachers for success? We can do better for our
Waterford kids and our teachers, who are the backbone of our schools.
By addressing class sizes now, the BOE can position itself as a district that not only values
education but also listens to its community and actively works to provide an environment where
students can thrive. This will ensure that parents feel confident in keeping their children within
the district and encourage new families to join.
‘Sources: The Schoo! Superintendents Association, Glen Robinson's synthesis of class-size research in the issue of
Educational Leadership, work by Robert Slavin and others at John Hopkins University, Tennessee's Project STAR
(Student Teacher Achievement Ratio) experiment, The American Federation of Teachers, Kidsdata.org and Harold
Wenglinsky’s 1997 Education Testing Service study titled "When Money Matters”
Respectfully,
Jennifer Nicholas
Parent, Great Neck Elementary School
Waterford, Connecticut
Prepared for the Waterford Board of Finance

Good Evening,
I would like to begin by sharing that | was raised in Waterford and attended Great Neck
Elementary School, Clark Lane Middle School, and Waterford High School. My parents
continue to reside in the same home on Goshen Road where my two siblings and | were
raised. | have chosen to remain in Waterford to raise my own children, who now attend
Waterford Public Schools.
1am writing as a parent of two children at Great Neck Elementary School, one of whom is
currently in 3rd grade and will be directly affected by the proposed class size increases next
year. | spoke at a recent Board of Education meeting, but | would like to further outline my
concerns and frustration regarding the proposed budget cuts eliminating the potential for
three classroom teacher positions at Great Neck for next year.
1am particularly concerned about the current 3rd grade, which has three classes this year
and is proposed to move to two next year. There are significant behavioral needs within this
grade. My daughter’s class includes a student with paraprofessional support due to unsafe
behaviors. Increasing class sizes will not improve this situation; instead, it increases the
number of students impacted by those unsafe behaviors and places additional strain on
staff.
Additionally, Great Neck has previously condensed the current 4" grade class from four
classes down to three, and it was not successful. The unique dynamics and varied needs of
students made the classroom environment more challenging and less effective for both
students and staff.
Early intervention is imperative for students. As a teacher myself, | see firsthand the long-
term impact when children miss critical foundational skills in their early years. When those
gaps are not addressed in elementary school, they follow students into middle and high
school, where they become increasingly difficult to remediate. We must intervene at the
elementary level to ensure success at the secondary level. Increasing class sizes does not
support this goal. Larger classes make it more challenging to provide the individualized
attention, differentiation, and targeted instruction necessary to ensure foundational skills
are effectively taught, especially given the diverse and unique needs of students.
These changes would significantly increase class sizes during the years when students
have the highest social-emotional, behavioral, and developmental needs. Early elementary
is when class size matters most — for regulation, connection, learning, and overall wetl-
being. Larger classes at this stage risk diminishing the individual attention and support that
young students require to build strong foundations.

Itis also important to consider the ongoing housing development in the Great Neck area,
including construction behind Clark Lane Middle School, on Willetts Avenue, and along
Great Neck Road. These developments are likely to impact enrollment and class sizes—if
not immediately, then in the near future.
Lastly, | would like to emphasize that while data and numerical metrics may appear
favorable on paper, they do not fully capture the day-to-day realities within our classrooms.
Without being actively present in the schools and observing the dynamics of students and
their individual needs, it is difficult to gain an accurate understanding of the challenges
educators face.
| strongly encourage you to visit our schools and witness firsthand the unique classroom
environments and the diverse needs of our students. Decisions such as reducing
classroom teaching positions should take into account not only numerical data but also
the lived experiences of those working directly with students each day. For staff members
dedicated to supporting these children, it can be both discouraging and frustrating to see
critical decisions made without this on-the-ground perspective.
lunderstand that developing a budget that meets everyone's needs is extremely
challenging. However, | respectfully and strongly urge you to reconsider cutting the three
classroom teacher positions at Great Neck Elementary School. Our children have diverse
academic, social, and behavioral needs, and maintaining reasonable class sizes is
essential to supporting their success.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Chelsey Baude Roberts
8 Trumbull Road

Rebecca Hall
SSS
From: Glenn Patterson <gpatters512@gmail.com>
Sent: Thursday, March 26, 2026 3:02 PM
To: Rebecca Hall
Subject: Fwd: Projected class sizes GN 26-27
: This email originated from outside of the organization. 1
1 Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender's email address and know the
content is safe. 1
SS SO OOO te a Oo oop ooo Soe
I missed the morning window but here they come...
Email #1
Forwarded message -
From: Karryne Fox <kfox@waterfordschools.org>
Date: Tue, Mar 24, 2026 at 12:59 PM
Subject: Projected class sizes GN 26-27
To: <kallen@waterfordct.org>
Ce: <gpattersS12@gmail.com>, <thall@waterfordct.org>
To Whom It May Concern,
am writing as a concerned Great Neck parent regarding the reported plan to reduce the number of classrooms
for next year's rising fifth grade class from four classes back down to three. While I understand that difficult
decisions sometimes need to be made regarding district budgets, I hope the district will also take into
consideration the broader impact that class size has on students, teachers, and the overall learning environment.
Last year, this grade level was split into three classrooms, and it quickly became clear that the clas