WILMINGTON, MA — The Wilmington School Committee unanimously approved the Superintendent’s Recommended FY2020 budget after last week’s public budget hearing.
“The recommended budget amount of $41,939,603 represents a $1,613,070 increase in spending that equates to a total overall increase of 4.00% over that of the current FY19 budget,” explained Superintendent Dr. Glenn Brand in his budget presentation.
“As a budget proposal, total salaries for this proposal equal $32,795,858 which, in turn, represents a $1,131,400 increase over the current fiscal year, or 3.57%,” continued Brand. “Non-salary expenses are $8,662,075 and reflect an increase in comparison to FY19 of $481,670, or 5.56%.”
“Through the efforts of the district’s leadership team, this budget has been established in a fiscally responsive manner that has thoroughly reviewed our current offerings, seeks to uphold our programmatic commitments, and is also responsive to adjustments in enrollment as well as legally required mandated programs and services,” concluded Brand.
Brand thanked Assistant Superintendent of Administration & Finance Paul Ruggiero and Assistant Director of Administration & Finance Jacquie Raffi for their efforts and guidance in constructing the budget.
Budget Highlights
Personnel Changes: The FY20 FTE amount (478.35) is DOWN 6.50 from the start of this school year (484.65). An IT Technology Director and a SPED Inclusion Teacher have been added. The Woburn Street, Shawsheen, North, and High School are each losing one teacher due to enrollment. 4.5 educational assistant positions are also be eliminated due to enrollment.
Salary Changes: The FY20 salary total has increased $1,131,400 (3.57%) from FY19 ($31,664,458) to FY20 ($32,795,858). Step and lane changes account for $419,3016. New positions account for $473,354. Salary increases totaled $832,943. Longevity bonuses totaled $27,520. $621,733 in cuts were made in the ‘Replacements’ and ‘Reductions’ lines.
Non-Salary Changes: The FY20 non-salary total has increased $481,670 (5.56%) from FY19 ($8,662,075) to FY20 ($9,143,745). Major increases stem from Special Education Tuitions (+$387,868); Professional Development (+$55,640); Transportation (+$43,200); and Curriculum & Curriculum Supplies (+$27,610). $32,648 in reductions were identified.
Got A Question?
Superintendent Brand will give a detailed presentation of the district’s proposed budget to the Wilmington Finance Committee on Thursday, February 28, 2019 at 7pm at Wilmington High.
The Wilmington Finance Committee and Planning Board will also be holding a Public Hearing on the Town Meeting Warrant, including the FY20 proposed budget, on Tuesday, March 19, 2019 at 7pm in the Town Hall Auditorium.
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