Volume 29, Number 15
Friday, April 14, 2023
www.towntimes.com
BOE chief: budget plan responsible, reasonable
LET’S GO!
By Nicole Zappone Town Times
The Middlefield Lions Club’s annual Easter Egg Hunt took place Saturday, April 8 at Peckham Park. Along with the hunt, the event included prizes, refreshments, and a visit from the Easter Bunny, of course. Photos by Brett Bogdan
A public hearing to discuss the RSD13 budget proposal drew a large crowd at the high school on April 5. The Board of Education is requesting a $39.4 million budget for 2023-2024. “The total budget increase is 3.98 percent, which is much lower than the inflation rate," said school board chair Lucy Petrella, who described the budget as "responsible and reasonable." Petrella said the Board of Education found the average budget request increase for similar school districts to be 4.12 percent. See BOE, A11
Library renewal project update Press Release
Construction on the long-planned Library Renewal Project is set to begin this month at Durham Public Library. The project will refresh the public spaces of the library to best serve the current and future needs of the community. Spaces for quiet study, including two small study rooms and updated reading areas, gathering space for group work, upgraded public computer and “bring your own device” access will be addressed.
“However, parts of the library and portions of the collection may be unavailable as work is being done,” Michaud continued. “Locations for specific services may also change.” The project is expected to be substantially complete by early summer. Updates will be posted on the library website and on social media. “Please be patient with us during construction,” Michaud said. “We encourage patrons to stock up on books ahead of the renovation.”
The library will also be adding features to improve handicap-accessible access and services, as well as updating the carpet, paint and two main floor restrooms.
The Durham Public Library was awarded a grant for the renewal project in the amount of $146,957 by the Connecticut State Library Board.
“We intend to keep the library open as much as possible during the renovation process,” Library Director Christine Michaud noted.
Additional funding is provided by the Town of Durham, The Peach Pit Foundation and the generous contributions of library supporters.
The Library Renewal Project is expected to begin this month at Durham Public Library, 7 Maple Ave. Durham Public Library, Facebook