By Thane Grauel

WESTPORT — The Representative Town Meeting on Tuesday night unanimously passed the Board of Education’s budget for 2023-24.

The entire education budget of $144.3 million is roughly 5.2 percent higher than current spending of $129.5 million. It includes the $136,287,710 spending plan, debt service of about $7.7 million, plus some smaller expenditures.

The 31-0 vote came after months of budget discussions between various boards and committees. Comments were made during Tuesday’s meeting, but none were critical.

RTM approval of the school budget for the new fiscal year, which starts July 1, came a day after the legislative body adopted a town-side budget of $81.3 million.

Board of Ed Chairwoman Lee Goldstein said she’s part of an online group of boards of education chairs.

“There’s always a thread: How much was your budget, and how much was approved?” she said. “And I come off reading those very grateful to live in Westport where no matter how much there’s sometimes disagreement about the big number of specific appropriations, this is a town that values and prioritizes education. Everybody does. It’s part of the identification of our town, and that feels really good.”

“We have extraordinary schools,” Goldstein said. “And they are recognized nationally.”               

Seth Braunstein, District 6 and chairman of the RTM’s Finance Committee, thanked education officials.

“Thank you for a very on-point budget that maintains the high standard and also maintains a clear focus on fiscal responsibility for town,” he said.

After passing the schools’ spending, the RTM then passed the entire town spending plan of $232,345,662 for 2023-24.

Only one action remains before budget season ends, setting the mill rate, which the Board of Finance will do May 19.

Thane Grauel grew up in Westport and has been a journalist in Fairfield County and beyond for 35 years. Reach him at editor@westportjournal.com. Learn more about us here.