May 28, 2026
.com
Chester, Deep River, & Essex Vol. XXVI Iss. 22
Region 4 To Hold Second Referendum On Budget By Aaron Rubin Staff Writer
The Region 4 School District Board of Education has set a date for a second referendum on its proposed education budget for Tuesday, June 2. The budget voters will consider is the same budget that failed during a referendum earlier this month.
Despite its defeat at the first referendum, education leaders continue to defend the “lean” and “conservative” budget, especially in comparison to other education budgets in the area that have been rejected by voters. Officials said the spending plan “respectfully balances fiscal discipline with the continued support for our students and schools.”
The proposed budget remains at $25,137,073, an increase of more than 2% over last year’s education budget. In a document signed by Board of Education Chair Kate Sandmann, the board said it is putting forward the same budget because See Region 4 page 10
Ginny Baltay is bringing science beyond the classroom...................2
Serving Up Skills Sally Feldman, 8, works with Gary “Coach” Ribchinsky of Essex Parks and Recreation during a tennis lesson May 21 at Grove Street Park Tennis Courts. Tennis is among the many programs offered through Essex Parks and Recreation. Ribchinsky has taught tennis in the area for about 40 years. More information is available at essexct.recdesk.com.
Photo by Wesley Bunnell/ Valley Courier
State Champions Valley Regional-Old Saybrook crew repeats in G1V4...........................15
Postcards from Afar Susan Cornell wraps up her threepart travel series from Italy..........24
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