Superintendent Presents $64.9 Million School Budget

By Laurie Borst

On the evening of January 30, Newtown Superintendent of Schools Evan Pitkoff presented his proposed budget of $64,917,305 for the 2007-2008 school year to the Board of Education, school principals, and a handful of residents. The proposal is an increase of $4,533,630, or 7.51 percent, over last year’s budget. This is the smallest increase in the past ten years, according to the superintendent.

“It is our role to advocate for what we believe is best for the students,” Dr Pitkoff began, “while being sensitive to the needs of the community to hold down expenditures.”

Dr Pitkoff explained the parameters used in determining the budget. These included maintaining effective programs, safety and security, addressing the concerns of NEASC (New England Association of Schools and Colleges), replacing outdated textbooks, and improving technology.

NEASC placed the school on warning status last year. To be removed from warning status, the district must address facilities and resources, class size, course offerings, and access to technology.

Key budget drivers for the upcoming year include students’ needs, enrollment at specific grade levels, and the fixed costs associated with contractual obligations and transportation.

Other issues that affect budget choices include government-mandated programs, i.e., No Child Left Behind, IDEA and special education, and mandates regarding class size and program quality.

The largest piece of the budget pie is allotted to salaries and benefits, both contractual obligations. Salaries represent a 6.38 percent increase and benefits, a 13.89 percent increase. Salaries increase through contracted raises and step movement based on experience and level of education.

After careful assessment of enrollment by grade at Newtown’s seven public schools, decisions on adding and cutting positions resulted in a net 3.58 positions being eliminated. Staffing needs at the high school were driven by the fact that 104 classes there have more than 25 students each, 17 classes with 30 students.

Energy costs place demands on the budget. The cost of electricity has increased 15.8 percent and the cost of heating oil is up 6.4 percent. Dr Pitkoff praised the District’s Business Director Ron Bienkowski for his diligence in observing the market and making purchases when prices were low. Dr Pitkoff also acknowledged Building and Grounds Supervisor Dominick Posca’s conservation efforts.

Projected enrollment at the middle and high school levels lead to expected increases in both schools. As these two schools ride buses on the same tier, overcrowding on the buses is a concern. To offset this, the proposed budget asks for the addition of two new owner/operators.

After Dr Pitkoff finished his presentation, very few questions were asked. Board members cited the need to peruse and digest the material contained in the 104-page document.

The Board of Education meets on Thursday, February 1, and Tuesday, February 6, to discuss the budget. On Thursday, February 8, the board will meet for final discussions and adoption of the proposed budget. These meetings will be held at Reed Intermediate School in the Media Center beginning at 7:30 pm.