The next step in the Board of Education's budget process comes Monday when the board holds a special meeting to debate the proposed budget of $16,368,581 of Superintendent of Schools Deborah Wheeler.

The meeting will be held at 6:30 p.m. at the intermediate school.

On Wednesday, the board heard from a standing room only crowd of parents, students and teachers concerned about cuts Wheeler calls for in her spending plan. The main concerns are the proposed elimination of six advanced placement science courses and the Latin program at the high school, a reduction of the music program at the high school and intermediate school, and lack of funding to cover use of the pool at the Connecticut Junior Republic by the high school and middle school swim teams.

Wheeler's proposed budget for 2010-11 is $454,581, or 2.86 percent, higher than this year's budget of $15,914,000.

A few school board members, including Chairman James Katzin, have expressed support for restoring funding for at least some of the programs on the chopping block.

A key factor in Monday's discussion will be the Litchfield Education Association, the union representing teachers. Wheeler has asked the union to consider concessions that would allow the board to save money. The union was considering the request Thursday and Friday.

Monday's meeting could result in Wheeler's proposed budget being amended and adopted by the board.

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