Derry school officials are beginning to identify possible reductions totaling about $2.7 million as they prepare a budget subject to a new voter-approved cap on school district spending.
Voters approved Question 2 on the Nov. 3 ballot with more than the 60% support required for passage. The cap has become a central factor in early planning for the next fiscal year, as the School Board, administrators and members of the Fiscal Advisory Committee review options for bringing proposed spending within the limit.
Superintendent Michael Flynn said the district is still working with preliminary numbers and has not reached a final estimate of the reductions required.
“We’re not close to actuals. We are not there yet,” Superintendent Michael Flynn said.
Ideas under consideration include reductions involving custodial and transportation services. Officials also are examining staffing levels, although any staff reductions would be carried out through attrition or planned retirements rather than by eliminating positions outright, according to the budget discussions.
Retirement requests are due to the district in December. School Board member David Clapp said the district wants to avoid reductions affecting teachers.
“The last thing we want to do is cut teachers,” School Board member David Clapp said.
Costs still being calculated
The district’s budget picture also depends on several figures that have not been finalized. Pinkerton Academy officials are expected to bring their budget numbers to the Derry School Board at its next meeting. Because Derry is one of the private high school’s contracted towns, Flynn said the district must use Pinkerton’s budget figures when developing its own spending plan.
Chester, Auburn and Hampstead also contract with Pinkerton Academy, Flynn said. Voters in all three communities approved school spending tax caps as well.
Derry’s budget planning also is taking place while the district negotiates with its educational assistants and paraprofessionals union. The outcome of those negotiations will affect projected expenses.
State adequacy funding is another unresolved part of the calculation. The amount New Hampshire will provide to Derry schools is expected soon and will be included in the district’s budget work.
- $2.7 million: approximate reductions officials are examining to comply with the cap.
- 60%: minimum voter approval required for the ballot question, which the measure exceeded.
- December: deadline for district employees to submit retirement requests.
Flynn said he is willing to examine all possible ways to reduce the budget. The meetings so far have focused on options officials believe could lower spending while limiting effects on classroom instruction.
