On March 9, the Marion School Committee held the public hearing for the FY23 Marion school budget.
Handed the controls after opening remarks by Old Rochester Regional Superintendent of Schools Mike Nelson, Assistant Superintendent of Finance and Operations Howie Barber outlined the budget in a PowerPoint presentation.
The foundational approach has been to create a zero-based budget, cost-effective programming and staffing, forecast operational needs, achieve administration and department-based goals and a continuation of an all-funds budget approach.
The total cost of operating the Marion School District (a member of the ORR School District) was budgeted for $6,700,895 in FY22; that number is going up this year to $6,965,996, an increase of almost 4 percent.
The $6,965,996 figure encapsulates all operational costs including those related to the Bristol County Agricultural High School assessment. Bristol Aggie is down to $72,646 for FY23 from $126,744 in FY22 based on Marion student enrollment.
Funding offsets, which are up to $406,963 for FY23 from $244,080 in FY22, include: $134,020 in ESSER funds, $92,000 IDEA Grant, $87,059 circuit breaker, $35,000 building use, $30,000 revolving funds, $21,000 Title 1 Grant and $5,500 state grants.
Sippican Elementary School’s assessment-based budget for FY23 is $6,488,440, up $158,369 from $6,330,071 in FY22, a 2.5-percent increase.
The changes that contributed to the increase to a $6,488,440 building-based budget for FY23 include proposed staffing changes that are somewhat but not altogether grant funded. While an interventionist and lunch aide will be grant funded, a formerly 0.6 (part-time) Special Education Early Ed Paraprofessional on full time and a 0.4 increase in a social worker will not be grant funded.
From Nelson’s perspective, meeting the needs associated with those increases is the top priority. “We’re finally at a point where we’re moving forward in that direction,” he said, noting that the paraprofessional position is mandated but the social worker is not.
Budget changes not related to personnel include: under Student Services a $27,000 increase for speech-therapy services, decreases of $30,000 (tuition-based programs) and $23,000 (contracted student-support services,) under Facilities a $30,000 decrease for utility costs and under Transportation a $22,000 increase for collaborative education transportation costs.
Barber broke down the Bristol Aggie assessment, down $64,200 for FY23 based on a three-student reduction with increases of $4,700 for transportation costs and $5,400 in debt obligation. Based on October 1 enrollment, only one Marion student attends Bristol Aggie.
Chapter 70 (state) aid is projected at $1,041,767 for FY23, an increase in excess of 19 percent over FY22.
The superintendent’s proposed FY23 assessment for Marion is $6,561,086, a 1.61-percent increase over the FY22 figure of $6,456,815. The committee unanimously voted to approve the budget.
While noting the many twists and turns that bring the budget process to conclusion, Nelson thanked the committee and those who served on the budget subcommittee. He also had kind words for Marion Finance Committee Chairman Shay Assad, whom he said attended each and every meeting and was “thoughtful and respectful” and provided guidance through the process.
Marion School Committee Chairperson April Nye thanked Sippican Elementary Principal Marla Sirois and members of the administration and the committee for making the budget understandable.
In other business, Nelson thanked Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning Jannell Pearson-Campbell for her leadership and work in helping the school district respond to the state’s Tiered Focused Monitoring Audit for English Language Learners. Marion was found to be in compliance.
The committee voted to approve the READS Collaborative capital plan with a limit of $4,000,000.
The committee also voted to approve a donation of $1,679.74 for school picture funding from Lifetouch.
Removal of COVID-19 precautions including masking were made to the Student Handbook, along with updates to the school counsel and school committee.
In her Principal’s Report, Sirois said Sippican has started its Acceleration camp, which will continue into the middle of April. Committee member Nichole Daniel said her daughter is enjoying the program. Math classes are drawing 84 children and English Language 87. Sirois said that some are overlapping participants.
Sirois also noted the one-book, one-school event during February to celebrate Black History Month, partnering with Tri Town Against Racism and the Marion Art Center via its virtual art show.
Committee member Mary Beauregard reported on the January 25 meeting of the Anti-Racism Subcommittee, sharing how that each building has a cultural-proficiency team. She noted the Black History Month interactive calendar including activities.
The Early Childhood Office is developing appropriate curriculum in literacy and creating an environment where students can openly ask questions.
Beauregard also reported that the Anti-Racism Subcommittee has discussed a potential name change as it has evolved beyond anti-racism “to more of an inclusion of all – people who feel left out.” The Anti-Racism Subcommittee will meet again on March 24.
The committee entered executive session to discuss collective bargaining and to comply with any law and only returned to adjourn the public meeting.
The next meeting of the Marion School Committee is scheduled for Wednesday, April 13, at 6:30 pm.
Marion School Committee
By Mick Colageo