NORWICH – The Norwich school board adopted a tentative budget Tuesday night which they think will be good news to district taxpayers. Despite the trying budgetary times, the district has kept increases in both overall spending and the local tax levy at a minimum.

“I think we’re pretty pleased with how this turned out,” said Deputy Superintendent Margaret Boice.

According to Boice, the total budget of $37,873,070 represents a .86 percent increase in spending over the current year, and will increase the tax levy 2.72 percent.

“To be able in these times to meet the needs of our district and have the tax levy come in at a 2.72 percent increase,” Boice said, is an accomplishment the district should be proud of.

Making it happen was not easy, of course. Contractual obligations for increases in teacher, staff and administrative salaries as well as rising health insurance premiums had to be balanced by aggressive cuts in supplies and other expenses.

Despite efforts to keep the cuts as far from the classroom as possible, some staffing reductions were necessary, and the district has announced that several positions will be cut. Although most will be vacated through retirements and resignations, two current instructional staff members, one in special education and one in math, may lose their jobs.