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School and city begin talks to shift CTE equipment maintenance funding out of school operating budget
Summary
Following a School Committee request, administration and school staff said they are discussing long-term plans to ensure maintenance for Somerville High School career and technical education (CTE) equipment is sustainably funded and not repeatedly absorbed by school operating budgets.
The Somerville joint committee discussed maintenance funding for career and technical education (CTE) equipment at Somerville High School on June 10, focusing on positions of responsibility and which budget should pay for large pieces of equipment such as air compressors and ovens.
School committee members said some CTE equipment historically has been maintained from school operating lines, which committee members argued is inefficient and unfair. "If any of these equipment might have been in a different building, they would sit firmly in . . . the maintenance for that would be the responsibility of DPW," School Committee member said during the discussion.
Administration liaisons reported ongoing discussions with the mayor’s office and finance staff about long-term planning and sustainable funding for these maintenance needs. School staff noted the CTE program has grown—district staff said it grew roughly 48% since 2021—and the program’s more complex, higher-value equipment increases maintenance obligations.
Danielle Berry, the district’s facilities, safety and transportation coordinator, confirmed the district recently hired dedicated facilities staff and is coordinating with city departments to clarify funding responsibilities.
Committee members urged that efficiencies of scale be used where possible, such as adding CTE equipment to existing city contracts for similar equipment maintenance. No formal reallocation of budget lines was approved at the June 10 meeting; administration staff said they will continue discussions and follow up with recommendations.
