In the minutes preceding its March 15 regular public meeting, the Old Rochester Regional School Committee unanimously voted to approve a FY24 school budget of $20,970,296, as presented by ORR Assistant Superintendent of Finance and Operations Howie Barber.
The total addressing the needs of ORR High School and ORR Junior High was broken down into three segments of $20,182,170 (general operating), $688,156 (capital and debt service) and $100,000 (capital stabilization.)
Early in a presentation lasting roughly 50 minutes, Barber told the committee that when compared to the FY23 budget, the FY24 is $31,000 less.
The implications of teacher cuts did not sit well with committee member Margaret McSweeny.
“It is crushing as a teacher to lose a job … I know that we are voting on a budget today that will eliminate jobs,” said McSweeny, who asked for transparency from the administration in dealing with the teachers affected. Further, she said that towns should invest in education and strongly suggested that families will not settle in the Tri-Towns as a result.
Committee member Matt Monteiro sought clarification on why Rochester’s assessment increased more than Marion and Mattapoisett. Barber said that the tax assessment on properties, enrollment and alluded to other circumstances.
Committee member Joe Pires said that while he understands the business end of the budget, he would like the committee going forward to think about programming that can be considered expendable rather than losing teachers from the staff.
“It does sadden us to have to cut teachers,” said ORR School Committee Chairperson Michelle Smith, expressing hope that moving forward, the Tri-Towns will prioritize education.
Superintendent of Schools Mike Nelson, who guided the process, reiterated the diligence it took to achieve a budget he believes can become acceptable in the Tri-Towns. At the same time, he thanked McSweeny for her comments.
The next meeting of the Old Rochester Regional School Committee is scheduled for Wednesday, April 26, at 6:30 pm.
ORR School Committee
By Mick Colageo