Ludlow voters to decide incremental school hike
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By JOSH O’GORMAN STAFF WRITER - Published: March 30, 2009
LUDLOW — In reaction to the economy, voters will be presented with a proposed Ludlow Elementary School budget that is rising less than 1 percent.
The proposed budget of $2,482,508 for fiscal year 2009-10 is an increase of $23,691, or slightly less than 1 percent, more than the current budget of $2,458,817. Residents will vote on the budget during the annual meeting, which will be held at 7:30 p.m. on Monday, April 6 in Town Hall.
“It’s pretty financially conservative because of the times,” said Superintendent Judith Pullinen. “The Board worked hard to keep the increase under 1 or 2 percent.”
The budget for the instructional program is decreasing $132,876, or about 15 percent, from $892,670 to $759,794. Because of declining enrollment, one teaching position was eliminated, resulting in savings of $60,811.
Pullinen noted health insurance costs are flat and dental insurance is only rising 3 percent.
One of the larger increases is for early essential education — special education for preschool pupils — which is rising $39,172 or 85 percent, from $45,968 to $85,140.
Pullinen said there are a couple of pupils entering the district who will need special attention and the budget increase will pay for two new paraprofessionals, one part time and the other full time.
“What I hope people understand is even if we didn’t have a preschool, we would still have to pay for this new staff,” Pullinen said.
While the proposed early essential education budget is rising 85 percent, the special education budget is only rising $10,915 or about 4 percent, from $280,105 to $291,020.
josh.ogorman@rutlandherald.com
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