Proposed changes in Essex Westford school district worries some parents [Video]

School districts across Vermont are trying to keep budget increases low. The Essex Westford district is proposing major changes for next school year. “At this point, it’s not a done deal. This is the proposal,” said Essex Westford school board chair Robert Carpenter. The board heard Superintendent Beth Cobb’s proposed budget on Tuesday. Carpenter said they’re trying to cut $6 million. He told NBC5 that health care played a large role in the need to make cuts. “One of the largest increases we have to assume is the health insurance costs,” Carpenter explained. “In assuming all of those increases, inflation, salary increases and benefits, we as a district have to cut six million out of our budget in order to maintain a level budget into next year.”Part of the proposal included restructuring kindergarten through eighth grade and bringing pre-K to one building. If approved, Kindergarten through second grade would be …