Schools: Budget Healthy Through First Quarter

So far, so good—that was the news the Brookline School Committee learned from the first-quarter budget report Monday evening.

Member Elizabeth Childs told the committee that current projections show a slight surplus for 2011 fiscal year, but cautioned that uncertainties remain that could hurt the budget before the year is through.

"At this point, we are looking to come in on budget," said Childs. "It's tight, but there's a tiny surplus."

The $43,313 surplus, which leaves the schools' projected spending at $75,101,940, is the result of special education costs stabilizing and higher-than-expected teacher retirements. The retirements have helped the school district cope with higher enrollment—up 161 students from last school year—by allowing schools to hire new teachers.

"We continue to see enrollment growth pressures continue," said Childs. "This is going to be pushing through the system."

Remaining challenges for the budget include special education costs, classroom aides, and substitute teachers, Childs said.

Special education costs for the schools could spike at any time if a special needs student moves to the district or a student already in the Brookline schools is deemed to need those services.

Meanwhile, the school system is already over budget for classroom aides, though Childs said current spending is sustainable unless the situation becomes worse. Another risk to the budget is if there is a need for more substitute teachers, she said.

Superintendent Bill Lupini echoed Childs cautious attitude and reminded the committee that they were in much dire circumstances last year when they faced an approximately $1 million shortfall.

"We didn't experience a quarter like last year. For that, we are very thankful," said Lupini.

Though this year's budget appears promising, member Judy Meyer cautioned that the School Committee must remain vigilant as it prepares for fiscal 2012, when the federal stimulus funding that has been proping up school budgets around the country is set to dry up.

"FY [20]12 is going to be still very, very difficult," said Meyer.