New Haven’s Board of Alders has made a significant decision to transfer $8.5 million from the city’s surplus to the Board of Education, providing a crucial lifeline to the school system. This move comes at a time when the district faces ongoing financial challenges and urgent maintenance needs in school buildings.
The transfer includes $5.5 million originally allocated from federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds, now redirected to address critical school maintenance issues such as HVAC upgrades, floor repairs, and bathroom renovations. An additional $3 million from the city’s surplus has been set aside in a separate fund for potential future educational needs.
While this financial boost is welcomed by educators and students alike, it also highlights the ongoing struggle to adequately fund public education in New Haven. The Board of Alders’ decision underscores the community’s commitment to supporting its schools, even as it grapples with broader budgetary concerns.
