The Marion Finance Committee met Wednesday, March 19 for further talks on the FY26 budget as well as trying to nail down the budgets of local schools; them being ORR and Sippican School. Following the approval of the minutes of previous meetings, March 5 and March 12, the committee introduced Superintendent Mike Nelson and Assistant Superintendent of Finance and Operations Howard Barber to the meeting. Chair of the Marion School Committee April Nye was also in attendance.
The Superintendent began by discussing changes in this year’s budget versus the last. “The school department recognizes the financial climate and stretched revenue streams that we’re all facing. Not only here in Marion, but statewide” he began. He then noted this year’s budget development has been one of the more difficult during his tenure (2020-present), noting the continuing increase in expenses. He also cited the district receiving minimal state funds due to “Hold Harmless” status, “we are receiving the minimal per-pupil increases from Chapter 70 funding in year of.” He also stated the department is not requesting new programs nor additional hiring to go above “level-service budgeting” to minimize budget rises.
He then mentioned the biggest contribution to the budget’s rise, that being student services including special education and transportation. Nelson said the cost for tuition and transportation for an out-of-district is “pretty dramatic” saying the cost could range between $150,000 to $200,000.
He also spoke on curriculum and the Department of Education stating the district’s math curriculum is not “considered high quality status.” After an extensive review, the Superintendent said that the purchasing of a 3-year math program made the most sense financially. This would be a one-time, non-recurring cost of $70,000.
Assistant Superintendent Howard Barber presented the school’s desire to better meet student IEPs (individualized education programs). These needs do generally increase costs, though it was cited the desire is to expand school capability instead of outsourcing.
In order to limit the budget further, later in the meeting, Superintendent Nelson said, “we could, which we have done, every department will be reduced in some capacity in terms of staffing. He then touched on the “apparent elimination” of the Department of Education, saying, “there is no direct impact on us right now” but did mention later worry of free school breakfast/lunch, which come from federal grants.
Following the departure of the Superintendent and Assistant Superintendent of Finance and Operations, Town Administrator spoke of the Town Meeting Warrant Draft and a special meeting with the Select Board Monday, March 24 to go over estimations and streamline budgetary information.
The next meeting of the Marion Financial Committee will be held on Wednesday, March 26 in the Marion Town House Conference Room at 7:00 pm.
Marion Finance Committee
By Sam Bishop