Thank you to all who have taken the time to ask questions, share opinions, and provide feedback about the FY24 budget options.
As you may know, earlier this year the District proposed a budget with a 2.85 percent increase for the coming school year. This was a fiscally sound proposal created to respect the financial constraints of Manchester and Essex. The level-services budget maintained the same program scope, class size, course offerings, and services, and provided resources needed to support the MERSD Strategic Plan.
This spending plan was supported by both Annual Town Meetings but also required approval of a Proposition 2 ½ override in Essex. That request did not receive majority support.
This means that the School Committee is required to reduce its overall budget by $781,000.
Tonight, the MERSD School Committee will conclude deliberations and determine which budget to put forward to the towns for approval.
Three options are on the table:
- The March 21st Adopted Budget, which is the FY24 budget presented to both Essex and Manchester Annual Town Meetings for approval.
- The May 16th Reconsidered Budget, which closes the $781,000 gap through staff and program cuts.
- The May 23rd Compromise Budget, which closes the $781,000 gap through both staff cuts and the use of reserve funds.
A general overview of the three budgets can be viewed here – FY24 Reconsidered Budget Options.
The hybrid School Committee meeting begins at 6 p.m. in the Middle High School Learning Commons and may be viewed online via Webex. The School Committee will submit tonight's adopted budget to each town for further action. We anticipate both towns will be holding Town Meetings at the end of June to ratify the budget.
Sincerely,
Pam
Pamela Beaudoin
Superintendent
Manchester Essex Regional Schools
