Schools Face $5.4M Deficit

No decisions have been made as of yet regarding any personnel cuts or service fee increases, but based on the early numbers from the state and federal government, the school department is looking at a $5.4 million deficit.

"This is only a financial projection at this time, and no decisions have been made regarding any potential cuts to program or personnel," said Joseph Sawyer. "However, the situation is daunting and I do not foresee any situation where state and local resources will be able to close this large budget gap."

Sawyer presented the preliminary budget numbers to the School Committee last week.

The current year's budget is $47,139,676 and with the additional contractual obligations and reduced revenues from the state, the level-funded budget from last year will result in the $5.4 million gap.

"This financial projection was made assuming no change in our current fee structure," Sawyer said. "We are not at a point where we are ready to make any recommendations regarding this category of revenue."

A public budget hearing with the School Committee is scheduled for Feb. 15 at 7 p.m. at the town hall.