Town Council and School Department Members Meet to Kick Off Budget Season

On Monday evening, the Town Council, School Committee and School Department administrators came together at  where a pre-budget meeting for the 2012-2013 fiscal year was held.

School Superintendent Michael Convery began the presentation by explaining to attendees that because the School Committee is currently in negotiations with the Coventry Teacher's Alliance, members may not have been able to speak freely about all issues. "We look forward to working together for the students and residents in Coventry," said Convery. "These are just preliminary figures based on what we know tonight, this is not the requested budget."

Convery, along with School Finance Director Robin Pelletier, shared a PowerPoint presentation that focused on points such as student enrollment, housing increases, previous school budget cuts, the number of full-time employees and capital requests for the upcoming fiscal year, a figure currently estimated at $1,430,000. (See attached PDF)

In regards to the topic of projected staffing needs for FY 12-13, Pelletier explained that a change is not expected. "As of tonight we expect to need the same number of teachers as we have now," she said.  She also stated that it is unclear if the state will cut its aid to the Town in the amount of jobs funding received by the federal government.

Town Council President Gary Cote assured attendees that the Council and the school department will cooperate to draft a proposed budget that will benefit the people of Coventry as much as possible. "On behalf of the taxpayers of Coventry, I think both sides will continue to bargain in good faith and do good things for the taxpayers," he said.

Coventry Patch will keep you updated with future budget discussions as they happen.