April 9, 2026
.com
Chester, Deep River, & Essex Vol. XXVI Iss. 15
Region 4 Budget Calls for 2.5% Increase By Aaron Rubin Staff Writer
The Region 4 School District’s budget for John Winthrop Middle School and Valley Regional High School proposes a 2.54 percent increase in expenditures, totaling $24,582,406 in spending for the 2027 fiscal year. The district arrived at its proposed total
following three budget workshops, according to district Superintendent Brian White. He told the Courier the budget will be up for referendum by all eligible district voters on May 5. As usual, salaries and benefits make up roughly half of the $24.5 million budget, totaling more than $16 million in yearly expenditures. However, unlike other school
districts across the shoreline, employee insurance costs are not a major driver of the proposed budget. White credited Region 4’s ability to reduce spending on health benefits to its self-insured status through a health care reserve fund currently at approximately $7.5 million. See Region 4 Budget page 8
On the Hunt Children race across the lawn to gather eggs during the Chester Hose Company Auxiliary’s annual Easter egg hunt April 4 at the Chester Firehouse, as parents watch from the hillside.
Photo by Wesley Bunnell/ Valley Courier
Jane Bowers has joined the Connecticut River Museum to help bring the past to life...............2
Eager for Success Girls lacrosse is heading into the season with optimism.................12
Embracing Change Columnist Liz Egan continues her two-part series, working through transformation as a metaphor for grief.......................................20
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