Worcester News

State: $15.5M less for Worcester Public Schools

  • Posted by Worcester News August 22, 2020 - Filed in News - #Worcester  #Worcester Public Schools  - 1,563 views

    The Worcester Public Schools is facing $15.5 million in cuts based on the latest budget guidance from the Commonwealth, according to the agenda published in advance of Thursday’s meeting.

    “For current planning purposes, pending further state or federal resolution on funding, the district must prepare for a budget reduction of $15.5 million,” the agenda item reads.

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    “On July 30, 2020, the Governor and the State Legislature provided revised baseline FY21 Chapter 70 Aid for school districts,” it continues. “The Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education also provided an Administrative Update on Chapter 70 Aid and Net School Spending Requirements based on these revised budget baseline amounts.

    “[T]he new baseline budget does not include any of the funding for the phase-in of the Student Opportunity Act (a $15.5 million reduction for the Worcester Public Schools).”

    The final state budget has not passed by legislature, nor has an amended budget been adopted by the Worcester City Council. Still, the school administration says, “the Administration must implement these actions immediately in order to achieve necessary savings. Therefore, the Administration recommends the following actions be approved by the Worcester School Committee.”

    The largest single recommended cut comes from salary, $4,859,362. The description of the cuts here reads, “Reduce 2% across all salary accounts. This reduction does not impact current salaries, step increases, or other existing contractual obligations.”

    Another $1,856,198 in proposed savings comes from the elimination of “extended learning time (common planning time and additional instructional time) at four former Level 4 schools (Burncoat Prep, Chandler Elementary, Elm Park Community, and Union Hill School).”

    The School Committee will meet at 6 p.m. Thursday.

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