Episode 3: How the School Budget Works - Process, Priorities, and Planning the Future of Branford

School budgeting can sound like a maze of line items, meetings, and acronyms. In this episode of Hive Mind Headlines, Branford Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Chris Tranberg sits down with Branford Public Schools' Chief Operating Officer Blaize Levitan and Branford Director of Finance Jim Finch to break it down in plain English.They explain how the school budget is built year-round, why most costs are fixed (contracts, salaries, benefits), and how a relatively small slice of discretionary spending can still shape classroom experiences. You’ll also hear the difference between the operating budget and capital projects, why you can’t simply “move money” between buckets, and what common misconceptions about municipal budgeting and revaluation miss.The conversation also explores how Branford’s town-school collaboration supports long-term planning, major facilities investments, and complex initiatives like transportation modernization, without losing sight of taxpayers and community needs. With Jim Finch approaching retirement, the episode closes on what they hope the community will say about today’s financial decisions five to ten years from now.Links:Learn more about BPS Forward, Branford's Master Facilities PlanMake sure to follow Branford Schools on Instagram and Facebook!To learn more about our school district and the people who make it great, head on over to branfordschools.org