After a comprehensive process, the Hopkinton School Board adopted a 2019-20 operating budget. The $20.78 million budget maintains academics, athletics and the arts, preserving electives, Advanced Placement courses, engineering and participation in Concord Regional Tech.
Major budget drivers were increased enrollment, health insurance and special education costs. The budget provides for adequate instructional staff in each grade as enrollment continues to grow. The board is confident that this fiscally sound budget provides quality programming for all students at a fair cost.
The school board has proposed a $9.7 million facility project bond that addresses three major areas:
– $3.5 million is allocated for office renovation and classroom additions at Harold Martin School. This need is attributable to the trend of increased enrollment.
– $2 million for the renovation of science labs at the high school, improving access to curriculum and safety standards.
– $4.3 million addresses deferred maintenance, safety, security and accessibility. The district has continued to invest in the basic facility maintenance, but large projects such as roofs and HVAC upgrades were deferred until a facility project was completed.
This project is the culmination of five years of research by the facilities steering committee. The board is confident that this project meets the most immediate needs of the district.
We urge you to consider and support the school board’s proposed budget and facility project by attending on Saturday, March 9.
LIZ DURANT
Hopkinton
(The writer is chair of the Hopkinton School Board.)