School Committee to Discuss New Budget March 28

The Winthrop School Committee met on Monday, March 14, where it discussed the school budget.

The Budget Subcommittee reviewed the most recent budget plan for next year. Following another review, the budget will be presented to the School Committee at its next meeting on March 28.

When the School Committee approves the budget, it will move on to the Finance Commission. The Finance Commission will draw up the final budget proposal and Town Council will need to approve it.

The current budget for the schools is $22,842,750.

 â€œThere have been additional expenses with students back in school, but we are projected to close on target without supplemental funds from the town,” said Supt. Lisa Howard.

The level services budget includes increases that the school needs to provide the same services as this year. The projected level services budget is $25,964,172. The needs-based budget includes additional teachers, support staff and programs based on an optimal level of services. The projected needs-based budget is $27,282,471.

 â€œWith a level services budget, we will be able to provide the services we have in place, but the needs-based budget would allow us to move the needle on initiatives and programs that we believe are critical to providing a robust and equitable education to all students,” Supt. Howard said.

Other News

The Committee accepted a gift of $1,000 to the S-1 Therapeutic Class to support school-based activities.

This Saturday, the high school will be performing at the preliminary round of the The Massachusetts Educational Theater Guild (METG) State Drama Festival.

A group of 29 students wrote an original adaptation of the “Everyman,” a 15th-century morality play.