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Foster-Glocester officials present budget; council seeks grade-level enrollment data and long-term capital plan
Summary
Superintendent Mary St. Mary Flaherty and business manager Anne Cadreau presented a district budget showing a 2.74% expense increase offset by revenue, a $300,000 capital ask, and a three-year bond schedule that will free up debt service by FY30; council asked for grade-by-grade enrollment projections and a subcommittee review of capital plans.
Superintendent Mary St. Mary Flaherty and business manager Anne Cadreau presented the Foster-Glocester Regional School District's draft budget to the Foster Town Council on March 12, saying total expenditures rose 2.74% but were offset by increased state-aid projections and other revenue. The district proposed a $300,000 capital request and said three years remain on a bond that will taper and drop off in FY30.
The presentation noted Foster's local appropriation is effectively level-funded because the district's increased revenue offsets higher expenses. "It's a 2.74% increase that is offset by revenues," Cadreau said, and the draft packet includes the state-aid estimate released in January.
Councilors pressed school officials on how the district plans to use the money once debt service declines. One councilor said the town expects to reallocate debt-service savings toward local capital projects such as road repairs and asked for the subcommittee to develop an extended plan when the bond payments fall. The district agreed to bring the issue to a subcommittee and to coordinate with Foster and Glocester on timing and amounts.
The council requested more detailed enrollment data. "I would like better numbers for student population counts per grade," a councilor said, asking for grade-by-grade charts to anticipate multi-year shifts. The presenters said they have those charts and will include them in future materials and audits.
On reserves, presenters reported an unrestricted fund balance of approximately $3.798 million (about 14% of operating expenses). Councilors discussed reserve policy targets (noting common guidance of 6%–8%) and cautioned against relying on fund balance to cover ongoing operating expenditures. The district said it will continue using its five-year capital and tax-impact plans to align future requests with long-term needs.
The draft budget is posted on the district website; the presenters invited further questions and agreed to provide the requested enrollment breakdowns and to follow up on the subcommittee's work on debt retirement and capital allocation.
