Representative Town Meeting (RTM) - 1294 (06/01/2026)

PHONE: 860-442-0553
www.waterfordct.org
FIFTEEN ROPE FERRY ROAD
WATERFORD, CT 06385-2886
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RE: Refer Education Cost Sharing (ECS) to RTM Education Committee 
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May 24,2026
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Dear Moderator Driscoll, 
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| am respectfully requesting that the topic of Education Cost Sharing (ECS) funding be referred to the
Representative Town Meeting’s Education Committee for discussion and review. | believe it is critically
important that this issue remain at the forefront of conversations involving our local and state elected
officials, particularly given the significant disparity in ECS funding received by the Town of Waterford.
Currently, Waterford receives approximately $326,000 annually in ECS funding from the State of Connecticut,
one of the lowest allocations in the entire state despite the substantial financial commitment ($62M) our
taxpayers make each year toward education. The Town of Waterford and its residents fund virtually the
entire annual Board of Education budget locally, placing continued pressure on property taxpayers, including
seniors and residents living on fixed incomes.
As education costs continue to rise and communities across Connecticut advocate for additional state
support, it is important that Waterford clearly communicate the inequities that exist within the current ECS
formula and funding structure. A formal discussion through the RTM Education Committee would help
ensure continued awareness, collaboration, and advocacy among local leaders, legislators, and the public.
| am optimistic that important discussions regarding Long Range Fiscal Planning, Utility Commission capital
planning and rate structure, and Fleet Management are already taking place and helping position the Town
for future sustainability. In the same spirit, 
| believe we must ensure open and transparent discussions
regarding the rising cost of providing education in Waterford, which has increased on average more than
5.5% annually in recent years.
Given the financial impact education has on our taxpayers and the long-term sustainability of our community,
| believe the RTM Education Committee needs to help steer the ship alongside me, the Superintendent, Board
of Finance Chairman, Board of Education Chairwoman, RTM Moderator, RTM Majority Leader, RTM Minority
Leader, Waterford State Representative, and Waterford State Senator. Working collaboratively and
proactively on ECS advocacy and educational fiscal planning will be essential to ensuring Waterford remains
affordable while continuing to provide the high-quality education our students deserve.
Thank you for your continued leadership and service to the Town of Waterford. 
| appreciate your
consideration of this request and look forward to working collaboratively on this important issue.
Respectfully,
Robert Brule
First Selectman