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Fiscal report: Newton Public Schools projects carryforward $1.1M vs. $2.5M goal; paraprofessional and utilities overages drive shortfall
Summary
CFO Liam Hurley told the committee the district projects approximately $1.1 million carryforward—about $1.4 million short of the board’s $2.5 million target—citing overages on paraprofessionals, utilities and contracted services offset in part by substitute savings and higher circuit‑breaker reimbursements.
Newton Public Schools’ chief financial officer, Liam Hurley, presented a year‑end fiscal status on June 15 showing a projected carryforward of roughly $1.1 million—about $1.4 million below the committee’s $2.5 million goal.
Hurley explained the principal drivers: paraprofessional/aide costs exceeded budget by approximately $800,000 (driven by one‑to‑one coverage and mid‑year move‑ins), utilities ran roughly $500,000 over budget because of higher demand charges, and contracted services (including BT coverage via outside vendors and contracted substitute coverage) added another significant overage. Offsetting items included savings in general substitute lines and additional circuit‑breaker reimbursement from the state. Tuition and transportation variances were discussed as well; the district expects some additional state reimbursements but does not assume full prior increases.
Committee members and mayoral staff discussed near‑term management options: an essential purchasing freeze continuation into FY27, close scrutiny of substitute/contracted service arrangements, exploring route consolidation for transportation, and possible postponement of some summer maintenance projects. The committee asked administration to meet with school‑committee and finance leadership over the summer for a more definitive plan and to report back with scenarios ahead of FY28 budget work.
Hurley stressed the June payroll timing (teacher lump‑sum payments) contributes to month‑end cash flows but is a timing issue rather than an ongoing structural overspend for some lines; nevertheless he said the fiscal picture requires summer deliberation and recommended conservative actions while staff identify more durable solutions.
