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Communication from the Mayor relative to increasing the FY 2016 Appropriation for the School Department
Dear Honorable Members of the Council:
I write to request that an additional $500,000 be added to the School Department budget for Fiscal Year 2016.
Since we submitted our proposed budget to you on May 7th, it has become clear that the original figure of $65,690,193 is not going to be enough to plan accordingly for the needs of the School Department particularly as it relates to SPED costs. The primary driver centers on an increase in expenses to out-of-district placements. Even with the proposed increase, the School Department will be required to lay off staff to live within the new figure of $66,190,193.
The proposed increase of $500,000 will be funded through amortizing this year's snow and ice deficit over three years rather than two which is the maximum allowed by law. Although not optimum, this would result in $316,667 of the $500,000 needed and the balance would be budgeted for by decreasing Revenue Reserve $99,569, Unemployment Insurance $72,264, and the ROCA Work Program $11,500.
Superintendent DeRuosi and members of the School Committee are available to meet with you to answer specific questions on the proposed amendment. Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
GARY CHRISTENSON
Mayor, City of Malden