LISBON — Superintendent Richard Green announced a proposed $15.67 million budget for 2017-18 at Monday night’s School Committee meeting.
It’s an increase of $352,746, or 2.3 percent, from this fiscal year, and an increase of $678,286 in local taxes.
“The numbers you’re receiving tonight are the highest end of the numbers that you’re going to get,” Green said.
The budget cuts $100,765 from adult education because of decreases in subsidy, loss of anticipated revenue and local funding. Other than that, the budget keeps programs, personnel and services at the status quo, Green said.
“The proposal can change,” he said. “I’m hoping that what we have right here would be the worst-case scenario.”
The committee cited Gartley Street School, a day treatment, adult education and alternative education facility, as one of the main sources for increasing long-term savings.
Keeping students in the district saves money on transportation, and recruiting students from outside the district to the school maintains and increases revenue, Green said.
“The majority of schools in our area are trying to do the same thing we’re doing,” he said, “so they’re creating their own program and providing services to students in-house.”
The district was fortunate to have the space and staff for the Gartley Street School, Committee Chairwoman Trace Austin said. “As much as (other districts) might want to bring (a day treatment center) in, I don’t think it’s a reality for most districts to do that,” she said.
In other business:
• Adult Education Director Kristie Morin announced that Lisbon Adult Education is working with Regional School Unit 4 to potentially collaborate on services because of low enrollment in Lisbon.
• Nutrition Director Allison Leavitt said there is a debt of $7,451 for school meals. The committee agreed to think of ways to bring down the debt and increase family payment options.
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