School lunch buyers down 22 percent
Published on June 14th, 2006
STONEHAM, MA - With budget woes never far from the agenda, the School Committee came away from its Monday night meeting hoping the student body really works up an appetite over summer vacation.
Participation in the school lunch program dropped off this year by a whopping 22 percent, driving the food service account into the red for the first time, and forcing the school system to look for ways to play catch up in FY07.
According to School Superintendent Dr. Joseph Connelly and Business Manager Greg Zammuto, the FY06 school budget is expected to close in the black, but the sizable deficit in the food service budget will affect the department's financial position going into FY07.
A 75 cent increase in school lunch is considered the main culprit in the deficit. The increase was approved for the FY06 budget based on existing lunch participation figures, with the original intent to raise $150,000 to offset FY07 health insurance costs of food service employees. But the price hike was unappetizing to many students, and that revenue never materialized. A few months ago, budget projections began bracing for a deficit in this account and the offset for FY07 was reduced to $120,000.
"Now we're hearing because of the 22 percent decrease in participation, we may not have the ability to even raise that," Connelly said.
Connelly recommended calling a meeting with the Board of Selectmen and Finance Board to discuss the problem facing FY07.
While balances in other accounts are expected to cover the deficit, Connelly warned the public not to be mislead into thinking that the schools have all kinds of fall-back money. A spending freeze was instituted months ago, with teachers and students making do with minimal instructional and miscellaneous supplies provided by the operating budget. Money from other revolving funds is also being applied to the deficit.
"We've said this a number of times...when you're trying to balance your operating budget on these outside revenue sources, and you're actually doing it before you even generate the revenue, it's very risky. This is a prime example of that."
"We will finish in the black this year, but certainly it was not an easy road," the superintendent added.
School Committee member Miriam Regan-Fiore suggested looking into the cost of outsourcing the food service program in contrast to school system running its own.
"I think it's important to mention...this is the very first time the food service program in Stoneham has run a deficit. Clearly we're asking more of the program in its ability to raise revenue than it could deliver."
Assistant Superintendent Search
The search to replace Assistant Superintendent Joseph Casey is on schedule, according to Connelly, who expects the second round of interviews to be completed this week. A special School Committee meeting is scheduled for Thursday, June 22 to present the final two or three candidates to the School Committee. Casey is leaving his post in Stoneham after five years of dedicated service to become Superintendent of the Melrose Public Schools.
Subscribe and get Home Delivery of The Independent
Save 36% off the newstand price — that's like 18 FREE issues!