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Unfortunately, we are expecting about 200 new students next year. Additionally, the spike in gasoline prices has translated into an increase in our busing costs of 20% for next year (after a competitive bidding process). Finally, negotiated salary increases for staff also account for significant pressure on the budget.

The high school, alone, will open its doors with 90 more students than this year- but with no new teachers. Some course offerings will be cut, class sizes will rise, and more students will be forced into study halls. System wide, we expect to layoff approximately 18 staff members next year.

The imposition of bus fees will raise $277,000 and prevent the reduction of still more teachers and support staff. The bus fees of $190 per child (maximum $380 per family), however, will not be necessary if the town vote on Monday, June 6 supports the addition of $865,862 for the school department as part of the $1.5 million ballot question. (The remainder will go to fund important town needs.)

It is well known that the school district provides a program that features MCAS scores in the top 15-19% of all school districts in Massachusetts at a cost of about $1,400 less than the state on a per pupil basis. We are proud of that fact but must admit that there is no place to make additional reductions without seriously compromising the quality of education for students.

As I have said and written on many occasions, the decision of the town on Monday, June 6 is a good example of our system of government because the town will choose the quality of education that it will provide its children. Whatever the outcome, all of us will work to offer the best education possible with the resources that the town allocates. (You may view the positions to be restored if you look at the FY06 Supplemental Budget Plan 4/29 in the box to the right of this message).