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Superintendent outlines 0-based budget timeline and reports roughly $1 million gap
Summary
Superintendent Mark Branko presented the district's 0-based budgeting timeline, said a public budget presentation is planned for Feb. 5 with a vote in April, and reported a preliminary operating budget gap of about $1,000,000 while noting roughly $2,000,000 remains in reserve.
Superintendent Mark Branko briefed the Rockport School Committee on the district’s budget-planning timeline and priorities. He said the district will use a 0-based budgeting approach, focus public presentations on Feb. 5 and aim for a budget vote in April.
Branko explained that the town typically covers about 75% of operating costs, while the district reserve (made up of circuit-breaker funds, special-education transportation and school-choice funds) accounts for roughly 25%. He said the district currently has approximately $2,000,000 in reserve.
Branko reported a preliminary projected budget gap of roughly $1,000,000 for the operating budget. He noted the gap was larger than the earlier round but said the district closed a similar gap last year through retirements, position changes and other adjustments, and he expressed confidence that the administration and select board can work toward a manageable percentage-increase proposal.
He described next steps: a leadership-team workshop, presentation of a rollover budget and identification of staffing and programmatic priorities; staff will return at the next school-committee meeting with a preliminary budget overview showing where growth and reductions are proposed. Committee members praised the 0-based process and the inclusion of teachers in budget discussions.
Branko said the district will continue pursuing grants and other revenue sources and will consult with the town administrator and select board on a sustainable recommendation for the town’s contribution.
