GLOCESTER – The Foster-Glocester Regional School District has proposed a budget totaling $32,586,786, of which $18,263,449 would need to be raised by taxation. The proposed fiscal plan, presented at the recent School Committee meeting, would amount to an increase of 2.89 percent, slightly higher than last year’s increase, and includes debt service and capital expenditures.
The budget includes $16,181,137 for salaries, an increase of $438,293, along with an increase in benefits of $162,038 totaling $6,512,714. In her report, Supt. Renee Palazzo noted that the district is in the last year of a three-year contract that included a 2.5 percent and 3 percent increase for certified teachers and educational support personnel, respectively.
Operating expenses are listed at $27,683,417, an increase of $335,518. Anticipated revenues decreased $420,326 from last year for a total of $11,053,242. As a result, total operating appropriations being requested are at $16,630,176, as compared to last year’s total of $16,114,652.
The capital request of $300,000 remains the same as last year, with debt service decreasing $4,750 for a total of $3,170,625. Housing aid reimbursement and other revenue totaled $1,837,351, only slightly down from last year.
“The budget continues to present challenges in an everchanging environment and was was developed in a fisccally responsible manner to provide our students with a competitive edge,” noted Palazzo in her report. “The budget strategically invests in curriculum, instructional programs, equipment, facilities, and technology so that students are prepared for post-secondary opportunities.”
Foster showed an overall increase of 2.07 percent of $118,436, while Glocester’s increase would be $395,091 or 3.29 percent, based on the number of students from each town attending.
State aid is expected to drop to $199,886 for a total of $5,472,710, based on Gov. Dan McKees’ budget proposal, which uses student enrollment as a factor. Tuition revenue, however, increased from the $4,080,000 in last year’s financial plan to $4,304,400.
The Financial Town Meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m., on Tuesday, March 18 in the Ponaganset High School auditorium. Last year’s budget passed with only 56 voters present, with 45 in favor and 11 opposed, and took just a little more than a half hour.
