Schools Propose $50M Budget

Trying to view change as an occasion for improvement is the maxim of school administrators this year as they formulate the proposed budget for fiscal year 2010-2011.

"One of the approaches we took with the budget is to not look at it as a crisis but as change and an opportunity for improvement," said Superintendent of Schools Dr. Thomas Forcella.

The proposed 2010-11 school budget is $50,021,963, representing an increase of 2.8 percent over the current budget of $48.7 million.

"We are right around the inflation mark, which is 2.5 to 2.7 percent," Forcella said.

Instruction, learning, and professional development are the focus of the budget. Class sizes will remain small as enrollments are decreasing slightly, said Forcella, from about 3,712 students to 3,687.

In the new school year there will be a focus on improving the level of student learning and literacy (reading, writing, and spelling), Forcella said. One of the tools to achieve this is the hiring of four, literacy focused instructional coaches who will provide daily professional feedback and training to kindergarten through 4th-grade teachers in their classrooms. Funding for these positions will come from the reallocation of administrative salaries.

"We want to prevent kids from falling behind because when they do, they can have a hard time catching up," said Forcella.

Principals and department heads reduced operating budgets, including supplies and materials, by an average of 33 percent.

Areas that will be impacted include staffing, wherein there will be a net loss of 15 positions. The total number of people employed by the Guilford Public Schools, including administrators, teachers, non-certified staff, and full- and part-time people, is 562.

Forcella said $686,000 in staff reductions will take place by the end of this school year and will affect two maintenance/custodial employees; seven para-educators (out of 94 at present); 6.1 certified staff (two of these are part-time); one administrator; and one secretary. In addition, two technology support positions will be reduced from full-year to school-year hours.

It is possible that some of the above cuts could be avoided due to future retirement announcements, said Forcella. On the other hand, if the proposed budget is further reduced by the Board of Finance or fails at referendum, further staff reductions may be necessary.

The town is also anticipating a decrease in state funding from as high as 100 percent to 70 percent, equating to about $255,000 for special education outplacement, said Forcella.

The Board of Education has approved the proposed budget, which is available, line by line, at www.guilford.k12.ct.us.