Three Shelton residents have given Shelton's budget mixed reviews.
Debbie Callinan, a tutor for special education students, said tutors are threatened by insufficient funding.
Mayor Mark Lauretti has recommended a $65.4 million school budget, with a total budget of $115.5 million. Taxes would fall slightly under the proposal.
Callinan said one of her sons was diagnosed with a learning disorder but has excelled with the help of the district's services.
"What would happen if there were no tutors?" she asked.
For example, she noted that many children could not complete standardized tests administered on computers and feared for them without tutors.
More students would fall into the special education category and cost the district more money than keeping them out of special education.
"We give them the guidance they need," Callinan added.
On the flipside, Ron Pavluvsik of Aspetuck Village, praised the proposal. "The prudent thing to do is to hold the spending and taxes. It sends a message across the region that Shelton continues to be a jewel in Fairfield County," he said.
The economic situation could attract more business, Pavluvsik said.
Finally, Judson Crawford, a member of the Shelton's Board of Apportionment and Taxation, criticized the budget process because department heads did not explain their proposals.
The Board of Alderman is scheduled to approve a budget May 30 after several review sessions.
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