Requests for new positions in the Concord school district make up almost half of the proposed $1.8 million increase in next year’s budget.
The proposed operating budget of $85.3 million, a 2.24 increase over this year’s amended budget, includes $894,765 worth of new positions. The majority of those jobs will be new district administrators.
Key among those jobs proposed are five assistant principals, one for each of the district’s elementary schools. Those positions will provide leadership and guidance, but will be focused on working with students who have special education needs, said Superintendent Terri Forsten.
The assistant principals are expected to cost a collective $778,412, but would replace 2.5 special education coordinators, which collectively cost about $337,300.
Other proposed new jobs include a special education administrative assistant, who would be charged with increasing the district’s Medicaid revenue, at $64,518.
A director of communications would aid the district in communications and marketing, Forsten said. That role would cost about $106,529. An extended learning opportunities coordinator would cost about $103,707.
About two-thirds of the district’s budget is made up of salaries and benefits; those would increase by $1.1 million due to increases in salaries, benefits and the new positions.
There are few reductions proposed, including the elimination of an Abbot-Downing School teacher who is retiring, the elimination of the drop out prevention program’s assistant coordinator, and a vacancy at Concord High School.
Out-of-district special education costs are expected to rise by about $383,000, bringing those total costs to $1.7 million. The district currently has 21 students placed out of district.
Administrators are also proposing to add $1.584 million to the district’s trust funds, almost half of which would go into a fund for facility renovations.
If approved as is, the operating budget would raise the local school tax rate to $13.79, a change of 39 cents. With the state tax rate expected to drop a penny, that change would result in a $95 increase in the tax bill for a home worth $250,000.
It’s worth noting the school board faces no immediate financial challenges in its budget this year.
Last year, the district took the plunge on full-day kindergarten, a cost that was budgeted at around $1.1 million, after two years of deliberation. That was a small expense compared to the $9 million conversion to natural gas plan the district had to quickly green-light in 2016 after Concord Steam announced its closure.
But that doesn’t mean challenges aren’t ahead – the school board must grapple with declining enrollment in the district’s future, a renovation of Rundlett Middle School and the possibility of redrawing the elementary schools’ boundary lines.
The district is also in negotiations with four of its collective bargaining groups, including custodians, transportation, tutors and others.
If you missed Wednesday’s presentation, the school board has several meetings coming up that will break the budget down in detail.
Next week, the school board will examine salaries and benefits in greater detail on Monday and student services on Wednesday.
Then they’ll take a break for February vacation and take on curriculum and technology on March 4; facilities on March 6, and enrollments on March 11. March 13 will be an open meeting.
Two public hearings will be scheduled for March 18 and March 20. The budget is expected to be finalized by March 27.
The full presentation can be viewed online.
(Caitlin Andrews can be reach ed at 369-3309, candrews@cmonitor.com or on Twitter at @ActualCAndrews.)