At the Scool Committee meeting on 3/18, member Glenn Pavlicek’s summary of a discussion he had with the Warrant Committee regarding the contingency budget based on passage of an override raised serious concerns among members of the School Committee.  Mr. Pavlicek reported that the schools would get slightly less than $1.2 million. “I’m shocked,” stated Chris Huban. “I thought we were crystal clear”  that $1.3 was the amount needed to keep all schools open. He asked why anyone would vote for an override if a school were to close. Ms. Kelly questioned the Warrant Committee’s putting $50,000 into the Stabilization Fund. “That’s a full time teacher.” She suggested dipping into the “rainy day” Stabilization fund. “It’s pouring out there.” Mr. Pavlicek noted that the Warrant Committee discussions were ongoing and that they were still in session as the school committee meeting was taking place.

The School Committee agreed that they should seek a meeting with the Warrant Committee to discuss further.

On 3/19, the Milton Times reported that the ‘Contingent Override Budget’ was $3.1 million. The article states, “Schools would receive around $1.4 million. . . ” It appears that the Warrant Committee may have revised the contingent budget from what was discussed with Mr. Pavlicek. (read the full Milton Times story here).

The Warrant Committee does not factor in any potential federal or state relief. They are taking a conservative position in their budget and preparing for a “worst case” scenario.

However, there is reason to believe aid to towns may be forthcoming. Senator Joyce recently sent out a letter addressed to Milton officials and interested residents informing them of an announcement by Governor Patrick regarding allocation of stimulus funds in support of schools achieving “foundation level” funding.

In his letter, the Senator Joyce writes:

“As a member of the state’s Committee on Federal Stimulus Oversight, I am pleased to alert you to a significant announcement made today concerning FY10 education funding that could bring over one million additional dollars to the Milton Public Schools.

Governor Patrick announced a plan to allocate $168 million in federal education recovery funds to ensure every district in the Commonwealth reaches so-called “foundation” spending levels next school year.

If this proposal is approved, these stimulus funds for education would ensure that all districts receive the amount necessary to reach foundation-level. For the Milton schools, this means an additional $1,110,098 in state Ch. 70 funding. “

The uncertainty of the timing makes the task of budgeting for the Warrant Committee and all town departments a challenging one. To date, they have been developing a budget that does not take into account possible stimulus funds.

In other business the School Committee agreed to defer discussion of the Consolidated Facilities Exploratory Committee Report until all members had an opportunity to review it thoroughly.

Superintendent Gormley clarified that the job title for the open position for a business administrator is not “Assistant Superintendent for Business” but “School Business Administrator.” Several individuals have already applied for the position. Ms. Gormley stated that they intend to “cast as wide a net as possible” in seeking the best quaified candidates for the job. Chairman Lovely suggested adding a couple of parents not associated with the PTOs, ones “outside the loop” as a means of obtaining a broadening the perspectives and being all inclusive in the evaluation process. Ms. Gormely will seek parent volunteers via one of her email blasts.