News from Committee 21: Budget Override

News From Committee 21: What’s in the Gap List?

Wellesley Public Schools superintendent David Lussier and the School Committee have finalized the so-called “Gap List,” which details the $2.8 million in cuts from Wellesley schools that will be made should Town Meeting and the voters not approve the proposed town budget.

If the voters do not pass an override (or Town Meeting fails to give voters the opportunity to pass an override by not approving the proposed budget) the cuts to the proposed Fiscal Year 2015 school budget will total $2,820,082. Fully 46 percent of those cuts would be to existing staff and services.

Here is the breakdown by category*:

46 percent: Level Service - Base (existing staff, services), $1,303,787

16 percent: Level Service - Enrollment Driven (new spending due to increased enrollment, particularly at the HS), $461,260

8 percent: Strategic Plan - Technology, $215,277

19 percent: Strategic Plan - Full Day K, $537,240

4 percent: Strategic Plan - Curriculum, $125,454

6 percent: Other spending & programs, $177,064

*Click HERE to see the Gap List in an easy-to-read graph. 

For more on the Gap List and town government, visit the Committee 21 website home page and FAQ page. The full Gap List can be found here.

How do I contact my Town Meeting members about the budget? 

During Town Meeting, which begins March 31, Town Meeting members will vote on the proposed budget. If Town Meeting approves the budget, the proposed budget override (approximately $3.3 million total, which includes funds for other town departments) will be presented to the voters in the form of a ballot question in late May or early June. 

If Town Meeting does not approve the proposed budget, there will not be a town-wide vote, and items from the above Gap List will be eliminated. 

If voters feel strongly about an issue, they are encouraged to contact their elected representatives and express their views. Names and addresses of Town Meeting members can be found on the Town of Wellesley Website.  If you are unsure about which precinct you live in, you can check the Precincts map, or contact the Town Clerk’s office.

Want to get involved? Contact Becca Cahaly (rebecca@tellalian.com), Mate Converse (mtconverse@comcast.net) or Eunice Groark (egroark@yahoo.com), Committee 21 reps or email Committee 21.

Schools Budget Update from Committee 21

This spring, Wellesley residents will most likely be facing a budget override vote in support of our schools. Committee 21 is here to educate the Wellesley community about the Wellesley Public Schools budget and what an override vote would mean to you and your family.

 

The fiscal year 2015 budget, approved by School Committee last week, is currently $3.3 million over the guideline set by the Town of Wellesley Board of Selectmen. That figure includes more than $1 million in existing service needs as well as new initiatives for the Wellesley school system that include full day kindergarten, an additional assistant principal at the high school and staffing, curriculum enhancements and more. 

 

To stay informed: Please click here to subscribe to the Committee 21 newsletter and bookmark the website. 

 

To make your voice heard: 

•              Attend the School Committee meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 4 at 7 p.m. at Town Hall, where superintendent David Lussier will present the "gap list" - the list of items that will be cut from the budget if an override does not pass. There will be an opportunity for citizens to speak at this meeting. 

•              Email the town Advisory Committee (advisorycommittee@wellesleyma.gov) and the Board of Selectmen (sel@wellesleyma.gov). Note that emails sent to these addresses will become part of the public record.

 

Questions? Contact Eunice Groark (egroark@yahoo.com), Becca Cahaly (Rebecca@tellalian.com) or Mate Converse (mtconverse@converse.net) Sprague Committee 21 representatives.

PLEASE ATTEND SCHOOL BUDGET MEETING TONIGHT, Tuesday, Jan 29th 7:30PM Town Hall

SPRAGUE PARENTS - STAY INFORMED

School Committee will be voting on the proposed FY 14 School Budget tonight (Jan. 29th) at 7:30pm, Town Hall. The proposed budget represents a 4.25% increase in spending over last year's operating budget. This increase reflects: 1) continuation of the existing level of education services (level of service); 2) modest budget increases in math and science; and 3) additional investment in professional development for teachers. These are priorities that the new Superintendent has identified as important investments to help maintain our school system.

Because this increase is WELL ABOVE the 2.8% increase recommended by the Board of Selectmen, there will be pressure to reduce the school budget. At tomorrow night's meeting there will an opportunity for the community to share their thoughts about the budget at "Citizen's Speak" (at the beginning and end of the meeting). Letters can also be sent to the School Committee at school_committee@wellesley.k12.ma.us or to the Advisory Committee at advisory_committee@wellesley.ma.gov. 

For more information on the budget, please go to: www.wellesley.k12.ma.us/schoolcom/pdfs/FY14AdministrationsRecommendedBudget.pdf


Other upcoming meetings regarding the proposed FY 14 School Budget are:

Wed, 1/30 @ 7:30pm, Town Hall: Advisory Committee/School Committee Meeting

Wed, 2/6 @ 7:00pm, Town Hall: Advisory Committee Public Hearing

Tues, 2/12 @ 7:30pm, Town Hall: School Committee Meeting


Thank you, Sprague Committee 21 Reps
Eunice Groark, Kathleen Woodward, Mason Smith and Mate Converse

Questions, please email Eunice Groark at egroark@yahoo.com