WESTBOROUGH – For the next few weeks, Westborough Public Schools will be working on the budget for fiscal 2024.
Because of inflation, everything is going to cost more — from equipment maintenance to special education out-of-district costs — and has become an overriding factor.
The School Department is scrutinizing every line and request in the budget, but there’s likely to be increases in expenses.
The department is currently in contract negotiations with several unions, including the teachers. There are also cost increases for transportation, electricity and heat.
The Buildings and Grounds Department, which had been level funded the past two years, is also experiencing price hikes. Superintendent Amber Bock said the department recently paid $42,000 to replace a sump pump and septic system at Mill Pond Elementary School.
“It’s costing more for everything,” said Bock Nov. 9.
For example, trash removal is budgeted for an increase from $26,500 in fiscal 2023 to $58,500 in the proposed budget.
“It had been cut for two years, but now it’s come back to bite us,” said Bock.
In addition to the operating budget, the capital budget for 2024 will include the roof projects for Hastings and Mill Pond.
The budget “will continue to evolve,” said Director of Finance and Administration David Gordon.
OOD costs
A big concern for the School Department comes from out-of-district costs for special education. One week after Town Meeting approved about $930,000 to fund these costs for fiscal 2023, the Operational Services Division at the state’s Executive Office for Administration and Finance authorized a 14% increase in special education private schools’ tuition for the 2024 fiscal year.
“It’s concerning,” said Bock.
The increase is attributed to a cost-of-living adjustment, along with trying to retain staffing at the schools.
“There’s nothing we can do about it,” said Gordon.
Gordon presented two budgeting scenarios to the School Committee regarding the extra out-of-district costs. If the increase is applied to the entire student services budget, the extra cost could amount to $463,577. If applied to the out-of-district costs only, it could come to $381,996.
“The impact, it’s significant,” said Gordon.
Bock said she hopes that the state’s circuit breaker will help cover some of the added costs.
The School Committee will vote on the budget on Dec. 14.
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