WILMINGTON, MA — Wilmington Superintendent Dr. Glenn Brand unveiled his preliminary budget for the 2019-2020 school year to the School Committee earlier this month.
The budget calls for a 4.6% increase ($1,853,399) to $42,179,932, which includes a 3.7% increase in salary accounts and a 7.89% in non-salary accounts. The most significant non-salary increases include SPED Tuition (+$589,284); Professional Development (+$55,640); and Transportation (+$43,200). The majority of non-salary accounts were, however, level-funded.
Personnel changes include the addition of an IT Director and SPED Inclusion Teacher, plus reductions of 4 Teachers (due to enrollment changes) and 4.5 Educational Assistants (due to programmatic needs). Changes results in a net loss of 6.5 FTE, bringing the district’s total FTE down to 478.35.
Brand outlined several key components of his proposed budget, including:
- Continual support of the implementation of the Reader’s Workshop program at the elementary level
- Acquisition of a science program at the K-5 level
- Renewal of subscription to the Envisions Mathematics program at the middle school level. Next year will be year one of a three-year commitment.
- Continue funding for the I-Ready program that helps in the assessment of student reading levels.
- Finalize the 1:1 Chromebook initiative expansion to include rising 6th and 7th grade students that will extend the program to grades 6-12
- A projected increase of approximately $500k to support out-of-district tuition obligations
Brand also highlighted $655,000 in Capital Requests for next school year, which include:
- $180,000 for MS Projector Replacement Program
- $100,000 for new Data Center
- $100,000 for North & West staff laptop replacement
- $100,000 for Middle School Wireless Upgrade
- $75,000 for Middle School Computer Labs
- $50,000 for VoIP Telephone System Project
- $30,000 for PA system upgrade
- $20,000 for Chromebook carts (1 for HS, 1 North & 1 West
Brand noted that Wilmington Public Schools faces similar challenges of those in many public school systems, with the increasing complexity of student needs within both general and Special Education settings; and the continual need to focus on meeting the social and emotional well-being of children.
Brand stressed the budget proposal does not advance any new major initiatives or programs, recognizing that the district is preparing to launch a new strategic plan that could possibly lead to resource needs that are sought for the fiscal 2021 year and beyond.
Brand pointed out that the district’s overall enrollment continues to modestly decline and adjustments have been made as a result. For the 2015-2016 school year, enrollment was at 3,442, while next year’s enrollment is projected to be 3,239.
“If this trend continues here, we need to be cautious about how that translates to enrollment-driven reductions,” warned Brand.
Brand discussed how difficult making reductions based on enrollment can be since the student population is spread out over 8 buildings; there are contractual requirements for class sizes and best practice guidelines; a desire to expand course offerings at the High School; and a teaming model at the Middle School that has structural constraints.
Brand outlines his budget priorities, which included:
- Provide appropriate funding for services and programs deemed essential.
- Support students within the least restrictive environment.
- Continue our social-emotional programs to support students district-wide.
- Maintain and expand our technological infrastructure and access for teaching and learning support services.
- Continue to exercise tight fiscal controls to ensure the prudent use of limited resources
After further discussions with the Town Manager, Superintendent Brand will present his recommended budget to the School Committee on Wednesday, January 23. A public hearing on the budget will take place at the Wednesday, February 13th School Committee Meeting, where parents and community members can ask questions and make comments.
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