The state has cut Chapter 70 school funding to Marblehead by more than $280,000, but school leaders say they expected the decrease and it shouldn't lead to any surprise program cuts.
"The town anticipated reductions in local aid when it voted town budgets in May, so we don't expect further cuts at this time," said George Gearhart, who has been serving as the schools' business manager. Brian Salzer took over the job Wednesday afternoon.
"Some grants have been reduced as well, and we are analyzing the impact of those reductions at this time," Gearhart added.
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School Committee Chairwoman Patricia Blackmer said the town actually predicted deeper cuts. "So we're good," she said. "We're OK for now. Hopefully, the state won't come back with mid-year cuts."
The School Committee meets on July 22 to review budget issues and look at what, if any, programs will need to be trimmed.
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The state has allocated $4,805,402 in Chapter 70 education funds for Marblehead in the new fiscal year.
State Rep. Lori Ehrlich said, at this point, any cuts are painful.
"Budget cuts have been very painful and felt most acutely on the local level. We can expect to see wide-spread layoffs as a result of cuts to things like education and social services," she said. "Additionally, in such a difficult economy, there is even more demand for social services. So for everyone's sake, I'm hopeful the economy turns around soon."
