Low Turnout for Malden School Budget Hearing

A public hearing on the proposed school district budget attracted only three speakers and was over in about half an hour Monday night, with officials clarifying the 37 positions slated for cuts include those scheduled to retire and a number of staff members that were reabsorbed into other positions in the district.

About 12 teachers in total were cut but were reassigned to other positions in the district, School Board Member Adam Weldai said.

Only about six teachers were completely cut out of employment with the district.

Officials blamed dwindling aid for the cuts.

“We are entering tough, tight fiscal times,” Superintendent David DeRuosi said. “The days of 21 percent above net school spending, I believe, are gone. In the future, I'd like to say (the district would receive) 3-4 percent, but I am banking on budgets very close to 1-2 percent.

“Which means, right now, we'll be going through a process like this every year – not so much with the idea of layoffs and cuts, but to do tough questioning and reflecting on how we can do this without asking for more.”

The full school board should vote on the final budget at it's next meeting June 25.