School committee debates positions vs. override $$
By Caitlyn Kelleher Journal Reporter

Ashburnham-Westminster Regional School Committee members Tuesday debated how to get a lower override number for the two towns without losing important school services.

The Proposition 2 ½ override figures have already dropped for the towns as the committee has increasingly solid numbers for state aid and new local contributions. The committee's only change to the budget was to reduce the busing contract by about $99,000 because of a shift in the cost of busing the kindergarten students.

"I have this great fear of going backwards," said committee member Keith Glenny.

Committee members expressed concerns about having to make reductions if the proposed override does not pass.

"What are we going to take out if we don't get the override," said committee member Gwen Farely. "It would be a huge step backwards."

The school committee certified a budget of $534,114 in March. As of Tuesday night, the override figures are just over $800,000 for Westminster and under $600,000 for Ashburnham.

Glenny proposed eliminating all of the new position so that the override figures would decline.

"That is a significant number. That cuts our number down," he said. "Yes, we are not going forward but I think that we stand much better chance of not going backwards. … It's not that these aren't needed."

The additional positions, recommended by Superintendent Michael Zapantis, would raise the budget about $231,000.

Zapantis recommended a social studies curriculum coordinator in order to continue the seven-year "curriculum renewal" cycle. He also recommended increasing the hours of the arts teacher, a part-time kindergarten special education teacher, a seventh grade special education teacher and an adjustment counselor.

The school committee increased hours for the high school and middle school's adjustment councilors and a kindergarten aide.

Some committee members wondered if the positions should be cut before the override ride request is presented to the public.

"I have not heard from anybody that they do not support an override number," said committee member Laura Weiderman. "I don't know how unpalatable the override number is. I am not sure (town officials) are the voice of the community."

They also expressed concerns that if the committee doesn't ask for these position then it may never get them.

"It's been a tough budget year for the last four years," said committee member Jeffrey W. Boudreau. "Every year going forward is a tough budget year."

The committee also will review the need for both academic and athletic late buses.

"If we can protect the classrooms and the co-curriculum, we can maintain a quality of education," Christianson said.

Committee members hope to take action on the budget during a special meeting on Tuesday, April 17, at 7 p.m. at Overlook Middle School.

In other business:

+ The board received a report from the auditing firm of Melan Heath and Company, PCtelling them they were in compliance with standard accounting practices.

+ State Sen. Stephen Brewer and Sen. Robert Antonioni also spoke with the committee about the joint resolution for school aid.