School committee authorizes budget-closing steps and prepayment of tuition up to $2 million

Superintendent Cabral told the Taunton School Committee on May 21 that the district’s FY25 appropriation is $120,590,000 and that, as of the end of quarter three, $80,918,165.79 had been expended, leaving a $39,671,834.21 balance. Cabral said the district typically pre-pays tuition and some supplies and expects to finish the year with a surplus.

Cabral asked the committee for authorization to rebalance lines—moving surplus line-item funds to cover deficits—and to prepay out-of-district tuition for quarter one up to $2 million where statute allows. "We are going to finish the year with a surplus," Cabral said. Mrs. Chaves made the motion to authorize rebalance and prepayment; Mr. Vieira seconded and the motion passed unanimously.

The committee also approved Bills Payable for FY25 totaling $1,790,190.39. During the warrant review, committee members asked for clarifications on several items: tutoring services (DOVR Great Place to Learn, $5,900), a comprehensive needs assessment charged to special education (Early Childhood Associates, $15,500), and a history/social-science professional-development charge (National Center for Education, $21,545) that Cabral said was grant-funded.

Cabral reported the quarter-three revolving account encumbrance was $290,714.11 with about $65,000 remaining as a final payment on the softball athletic-field project and projected year-end revolving revenue of roughly $3 million. He also said the district is managing nearly $8 million in FY25 grant funds (total active grants reported just over $15 million) and will soon meet with the grant coordinator to review carryover possibilities.

The motions to authorize prepayment, rebalance lines and to approve the Bills Payable carried by unanimous vote.