Superintendent John Robidoux gave an update on how the Town’s current financial situation could impact the school district, with schools potentially facing staff reductions and programmatic changes under a proposed level-funded budget.
During the latest School Committee meeting, Robidoux explained that he felt it was important for people to know the financial situation the Town is in, and the possible impacts students and staff may face as a result of the Town’s directive to develop a proposed level-funded school budget.
He said town officials have been working diligently to determine what staff reductions and operational efficiencies may need to be implemented to meet the goal of operating the schools next year with the same budget as this year.
“This is a difficult but necessary task, given the increasing contractual obligations this year and next, and the need for ongoing and transparent and meaningful stakeholder engagement… especially within the dire town-wide financial picture,” Robidoux said.
He continued that he had been attending PTO meetings, and has school advisory council meetings on the docket, as a way to engage community partners and share what was discussed within budget subcommittee meetings.
“Please understand that we are in the business of students. They are our main priority, and we cannot lose sight of the fact that they will be the ones who will be impacted the most by the Town’s current financial situation. Staff reductions and programmatic changes will mean, at some point, high classroom numbers, resources, and supplies will be spread thin… These are the facts, and this is reality,” he said.
