Time to Really Pay Attention to the School Budget: Letter

Last night I attended the School Committee meeting where the FY20 budget was discussed. As many people are aware, School Committee member, Liz Deselm had asked for a more complete budget document prior to the meeting Tuesday. Several Melrose residents spoke asking the Committee to postpone the vote until a more comprehensive document was presented. During the ensuing discussion, Superintendent Taymore stated, "I now have the giddy experience of spending money." It was appalling to sit there and hear the Superintendent say she would be giddy spending our money.

While I was an opponent to the override, even those in support of the override should be appalled at the language and attitude of the Superintendent. We as residents should demand that the budget presented contain enough information for us to see exactly how not only the override money but all funding is spent. This budget document should provide a comparison to prior years and a narrative explaining our current and future goals. The Committee did vote to approve the bottom line and that a more complete document be submitted by May 21.

Since January, the School Committee has discussed two separate budgets one that assumed the override passed and one where it didn't. Yet last night, the Superintendent stated she could not provide more detail. Several times she told the Committee and the public that all the override money is accounted for in the budget. We're all just supposed to believe her. Don't look just trust. I for one will be looking and asking questions.

Julie DeLillo, Chair Melrose Taxpayers' Alliance