Montpelier begins school budget discussions
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By Sarah Hinckley TIMES ARGUS STAFF - Published: December 3, 2008
MONTPELIER - An initial look at the school district's budget for fiscal year 2010 shows an increase of less than 3 percent.
Beginning at 7 p.m. tonight in the high school library, the Board of School Commissioners is scheduled to begin the public part of the budget process with an overview and discussion.
Despite recent reports of a significant increase in the number of students needing special education services and declining enrollment, the budget increase is minimal.
"I'm not anticipating two votes," said Superintendent Steve Metcalf, referring to Act 82, in which a school budget that exceeds the increase of inflation is subject to two approval votes by taxpayers. "We will be under 3 percent in terms of the budget change."
There are a few reasons why the district was able to keep costs down in formulating the budget for the next fiscal year. Health insurance costs are increasing a mere 2 percent around the state for education employees - an unusually low jump. And there will likely be staff reductions as a reflection of the declining enrollment, according to Metcalf.
"We've been very conservative in our budget for material items," he added. "If you want to reduce the budget you either have to reduce the programs or increase class size."
It will be up to the public to see which programs can, or need to be, cut, according to Metcalf. With an increase that is less than that of inflation, Montpelier residents may not have to get out the paring knife just yet.
The district will also save a sizeable amount by eliminating the expenses of housing the central office at 58 Barre Street. Officials expect the move to the new offices in the high school to take place during one of the school vacations at the beginning of 2009.
Also on the school board meeting agenda is a discussion with the Central Vermont Hunger Council. The nonprofit organization requested a chance to speak to the board.
At the last meeting, members of the public who attended were asked to give feedback on school policies. That input is slated to be discussed during tonight's meeting.
Further budget information and the opportunity to ask questions is the focus of a public meeting scheduled Dec. 10. Beginning at 7 p.m. in the Main Street Middle School gymnasium, members of the school board and the City Council will meet with the public. The meeting is an opportunity for city officials to listen to their constituents about budget issues, according to Metcalf.
All school board meetings are open to the public, recorded and televised live on public access television. To call in during the meeting, dial 225-8080.
Contact Sarah Hinckley at sarah.hinckley@timesargus.com.
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