School committee balances budget after shortfall in FY06
By Caitlyn Kelleher

"We're going to monitor it much more closely." - MICHAEL ZAPANTIS ASHBURNHAM-WESTMINSTER SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS

The Ashburnham-Westminster Regional School Committee transf e r r e m o n e f r o m reserves to c o v e shortfall in operating budget.

T h committee voted to transfer $270,000 from the district's school-choice fund - the money that the district receives for students that come into the district from other schools - to cover the deficit in it's approximately $24 million FY06 budget. Superintendent Michael Z a p a n t i s said the s h o r t f a l l was caused by hire then anticipated fuel and u t i l i t y costs, special education

transportation and a collection of expenses.

"We were fortunate to be able to use the school choice account," Zapantis said. "We didn't have to go back to the towns."

Zapantis said the money is a one time revenue source, so he knows they can't count on having it in reserve again.

He, committee members and other district administrators are planning on taking steps to prevent another shortfall at the end of FY07. He said the district could institute a spending freeze early in the year but they will be monitoring line items very closely.

Administrators in each building were given there fuel and utilities budgets for the upcoming school year already, Zapantis said. They will be responsible for monitoring that budget line and the district will check the figure monthly as well.

"We did anticipation there would be an increased cost of oil," he said.

But added that if gas rises to $3.50 a gallon then there is nothing in the budget to handle that except possibly transferring money from other areas. He hopes that won't be necessary, although he will bring it before the school committee if it is.

Zapantis said he will be encouraging simple methods of energy conservation such as shutting off lights when no one is in a room, keeping windows close during the winter and other "common sense" practices.

Special education transportation is other budget line item that went significantly over budget and it is one of the highest line items in the school district's budget.

"Right now it is costing us a small fortune," Zapantis said

A line item that exceeded expectations by about $167,000, most - $90,000 - of which was to transport a student from the district to a special school out of state 300 days a year. The state Department of Education requires districts to provide transportation based on a student's Individualized Educational Plan, regardless of the cost to the district.

Zapantis said he was hoping the Legislature would fund more reimbursements during the upcoming fiscal year but it does not appear that will be the case.

The district's food service program is not bring in enough funds to make it selfsustaining as is mandated by state law.

Zapantis and Food Service Director Victor Pulnik have developed a plan for the department increase their revenue sources.

School committee members approved of the plan but also asked Zapantis to determine why students were buying the lunches. Committee members said they think one of the biggest groups they need to is the students themselves.

"It's so much easier for me to pay once a month, then to pack lunches," said Laura Widerman, a committee member and mother.