Date: Thu 19-Jan-1995

Publication: Bee

Author: STEVEB

Quick Words:

school-budget-Reed

Full Text:

Reed Unveils $28.5 Million School Budget

B Y S TEVE B IGHAM

Superintendent of Schools John Reed presented a $28.5 million proposed budget

for 1996-97 to the Board of Education this week, suggesting to its members

that any further cuts in the spending plan would degrade the quality of the

education in Newtown.

The budget represents a 5.6 percent increase over last year, but the

superintendent asserted that most of the extra money was inevitable. He said a

3.5 percent increase in enrollment, along with rising costs for contracted

(salary) obligations and employee benefits ate up most of the budget

increases.

"I told the board that I made this budget so if it wishes to cut it, it will

have to reduce programs and people in area's that will have an impact," he

explained this week.

Dr Reed said while drawing up the budget he was conscious of the $32 million

expansion project in the works and understood that this was not a good year to

implement new programs and materials. Dr Reed said he was forced to cut

$600,000 worth of program and staffing requests from the six public schools

and district department heads.

"I think the budget lets us continue with the types of services we're

providing," he explained.

Newtown schools continue to spend far less per student than the state average,

ranking 142nd out of 168 school districts.

Board of Education Chairman Herb Rosenthal credited Dr Reed for his work at

keeping the budget tight, saying the school package seemed more trimmed than

ever. However, he believes there are some areas that could be reduced.

"I'm not saying the board won't cut anything, but much of the increase is due

to increased enrollment and a two percent rise in inflation," he said.

School board member Charles Nanavaty said he was surprised at how much was cut

out.

"There's not much room to play. Some of the nickel and dime stuff we'll look

to see if we can put off until next year," he said. "I think it's a fair place

to start. Obviously, we still have to take a closer look."

The $1.5 million increase includes a request for $146,000 for 3.5 additional

elementary teachers, and 1.4 positions split among art, gym and music. The

superintendent also asked for an extra $65,000 to fund the five-year capital

improvement plan and an additional 61,000 for technology.

Salary increases add an additional $647,000, and employee benefits tack on an

extra $250,000.

Town council member Joe Borst said he hadn't gotten a close look at the

proposed budget but felt it would need to be adjusted in order for it to

receive public approval.

"I think that considering the fact that they're looking at two school

additions, the board will have to take a hard look at this budget and try to

minimize it," he said. "The people aren't going to be too happy. There's too

much on the plate at one time."

School board member Susan Hills said the budget reflects the district's

attempt to keep class sizes down.

"I think that given the student population this is really a needed increase,"

Mrs Hills explained.

The third-year board member acknowledged the many expenses facing residents

this year, but said the board's job is to present the people with what it is

going to cost to educate their children.

"It's then up to them to decide what they can afford," she added.

The proposed budget is broken into five categories. The regular instruction

budget Á teacher salaries and classroom materials Á totals $13.6 million, a

$215,000 increase.

The $2 million staff-support-services budget Á administrative costs and

contracted services Á has been increased $41,000.

The general support services budget of $5.9 million Á buildings and grounds Á

reflects an $879,000 increase, while the $3.6 million pupil services budget Á

special education Á has risen $103,000.