Finance Committee Update by Mary Louise Nunes, Chair
Patrick Roth – Vice Chair of the Finance Committee and I recently met with Dr. Russell, Mrs. Riley and Mr. Cordeiro. This was a practice that began a few years ago by our predecessors, Peter Friedman and Greg Lynam.
The outlook for the fiscal year ending in June 2011 is difficult to predict. Tax collections have risen at the state level but the continued certainty is uncertain at best. The issue of Ballot Question 3 is looming as well as the Governor and Legislature’s ability to balance a two billion dollar deficit. The effect of the lack of funds has already been seen by the school department. The Commonwealth reduced funding. Fortunately, those lost funds were replaced by Federal funds. This is not expected to continue. However, let us keep our glass half full.
At the meeting we discussed the Full Day Kindergarten program – especially the unexpected enrollment necessitating the need for an additional teacher. As you will recall, the Finance Committee, School Committee, Select Board and school staff worked to develop a plan for funding this new program in the fall of 2010. The Memorandum of Understanding was agreed to and signed by all. This was a positive step forward for our community. I would like to thank Greg Lynam for working diligently on this matter, as the Finance Committee representative to the Full-Day Kindergarten Committee.
The Finance Committee is also pleased to be working with the School Committee to fund the new Math Textbook series. This funding is possible through the Capital Improvements Program (CIP). A table will be available at the Fall Town Meeting for members to review the new series.
Mr. Cordeiro also informed us that “green money” is available for a new roof at Quinn Elementary School. All of the elementary schools have roofs in the 20 year age range. The Finance Committee agreed to recommend the request to Town Meeting for the bonding authority of $1.5 million for the roof replacement. The Massachusetts Building Authority will reimburse the Town approximately 47% of the cost. This is an opportunity to replace one of the four roofs without the usual delays.
