Bills keep piling up in schools
Published on December 2nd, 1998
STONEHAM, MA - Budget issues took top billing at Monday's School Committee meeting as School Superinten-dent Dr. Joseph Connelly continued his mission of updating committee members on the current and coming years' financial pictures.
The budgets of the Athletic Department and the cafeteria revolving fund were reviewed with department heads from each area who supplied year-to-date figures, projected year-end status, foreseeable problems as well as suggestions.
According to Connelly, the address to the committee by these two departments in particular was imperative due to the fact that both areas generate revenue which directly impacts this year's and next year's budget.
"This is something that the School Committee must be aware of as we go into the new budget (process for FY 2000)," stated Connelly.
As with all departments, the Athletic Department was requested to make drastic cuts in its FY99 budget last year, in this case by about $100,000. Some of the larger items affected were intramural sports, freshman sports and athletic supplies.
At this point in the year, however, Athletic Director Michael Lahiff told committee members a year-end shortage of approximately $19,000 is estimated.
To offset this deficit, Lahiff offered two possible solutions. The first, he stated, would be to try to reduce spending. One area where such savings might be realized, he said, is in coaching salaries.
With several coaching positions currently open, Lahiff proposed that it may be possible to fill those positions at salaries below what was budgeted.
This, coupled with his department's continued efforts in holding the line on supplies spending could result in significant savings and therefore reduction in the projected short-fall.
The other option he presented, though one he would try to steer the committee away from, was increasing user fees for winter and spring sports. Currently, the user fee for each student athlete, per sport, is $50, with a family cap of $200.
Lahiff suggested that a doubling of this fee to $100 per student, per sport, with a family cap of $400, would also result in increased revenue to offset the deficit.
"I don't recommend that...I would rather go with option one," Lahiff stated. He explained that such a mid-year hike in fees would be unfair to students and would also go against the current trend of eliminating user fees that many systems have incorporated.
"I'm fully in support of increasing user fees at the proper time," stated Craigie, but explained that to institute such an increase mid-way through the school year would put the School Committee in an awkward position.
"We ought to consider adjusting (the user fee), though not during this year," stated Committee Chairman Stephen Gucciardi.
He also suggested that Melrose's fee structure be considered as a model for Stoneham. Currently, Melrose High School's user fee is $75 per student, per season with a $150 individual cap and a $200 family cap. Melrose also charges a $25 user fee for intramural sports.
"I'm really worried about that loss at the Middle School," stated Lahiff regarding the intramural sports program and called the hours between three and five o'clock (typically when intramural sports are played) "a very vulnerable time."
All parties agreed to look into this change in fee structure for the next fiscal year, including possible reinstatement of intramural sports through user fees.
Lahiff also stated that in looking at the Middlesex League's trends, certain programs will have to be considered in conjunction with budget development, such as girls ice hockey and freshman field hockey.
Like the athletic budget, the cafeteria budget is also self- supporting and is able to cover its costs, including equipment repair, through revenue generated through its programs.
Business Manager Donald Simpson and Director of Dining Services Diane Grandinetti presented the cafeteria revolving fund budget and programs to the committee.
"We're not here just to throw food in front of the kids," stated Simpson. "We take a great deal of pride in the cafeteria program and that we are self sufficient."
Grandinetti reported that her year-to-date figures indicate an increase of 100 meals per day system-wide, which translates currently into a 10 percent increase over budget as well as a 10 percent increase over last year.
Despite significant cash outlays at the start of the academic year for refrigerator and freezer maintenance at the Middle School, Grandinetti maintained that she expects that trend to continue, and reported a $16,000 cash balance in the revolving account.
"The fact that Diane's program has generated a small profit is really a job well done," stated Connelly.
The program increase, Grandinetti reported, was in the school lunch program. The breakfast program proved not as successful, she said, in part due to block scheduling at the high school. In addition, few Middle School students took advantage of the program as they typically arrive just prior to the school bell.
Having received approval for a price increase for academic year 1997-98, from $1.40 to $1.60, Grandinetti stated that she did not want to request another increase for this year. Instead, she opted not to replace staff in the current year budget.
"Basically I knew we didn't have the money," she said, and explained that she helps out to make up the loss.
Craigie cautioned Grandinetti, however, on the elimination of positions without notifying the School Committee.
"I certainly applaud your efforts but...the board needs to be cognizant of that so we don't cut your department - you don't have any people to cut," Craigie stated.
Craigie also explained that the town needs to be made aware of an accurate number of positions that were eliminated due to budget restraints.
Gucciardi requested at the next update to the committee that Grandinetti present a comparison of Stoneham's program rates to other schools' rates in the Middlesex League. In addition, she will also obtain a comparison of Stoneham's cafeteria worker wages to those in other systems.
Subscribe and get Home Delivery of The Independent
Save 36% off the newstand price — that's like 18 FREE issues!