RTM Approves $72.64 Million Education Budget

Representative Town Meeting approved a $72.64 million budget for the public schools Wednesday, a zero percent increase over the current fiscal year. The body also approved an investment in the next school construction referendum.

The meeting voted 26-4, with 1 abstention, to approve the school budget. The largest area of spending is $46.8 million on salaries, slightly down from the current year due to consolidating staff. The budget includes no layoffs, and would consolidate from three to two middle schools.

'Nothing in stone'

Two representatives said they were concerned about how schools would spend some of the money; for example, promoting staff to administrative jobs.

Acting Superintendent Mary Anne Butler said the department would continue to review the budget after it is approved.

“Please know that nothing is carved in stone and we are going to take a look at that,” she said.

Enrollment in Groton Public Schools is projected to be relatively flat or slightly down next year at about 4,900 to 5,000 students, according to the budget. Groton’s main source of revenue, the state education grant, will remain stable at about $25 million.

Next Phase II

The meeting also approved $75,000 to develop a new school construction plan that could be brought to voters at referendum.

Member Archie Swindell said he believes Groton needs a plan; the town can’t ignore its schools or repairs will cost millions in the future.

“That’s the situation we’re in," he said. "We may not like it, but I think the only rational thing to do is figure out what to do next."

“Standing still and putting off just will get us nowhere," Member Joan Steinford said. "Except further deterioration of schools.”

Member Alicia Bauer said times have changed.

“We need schools that will handle the type of education needed today,” she said. “Not the type of education that was needed in 1952 or 1960.”

Projects Approved

The RTM also approved these capital projects:

• $250,000 to remove non-friable asbestos from Mary Morrisson Elementary. State grants may be available to reimburse half the costs.

• $108,000 to design fire safety improvements at Charles Barnum Elementary. The school has no sprinklers or escape windows.  State grants may be available to reimburse half the costs.

• $270,000 to replace the steam boilers at S.B. Butler Elementary. The school department had asked for an additional $5,000 for the boilers, plus $100,000 to deign fire safety improvements.

• $600,000 to fix the roof at Fitch High School. State grants may be available to reimburse half the costs.

• $90,000 to design fire safety improvements at Mary Morrisson Elementary. The school has no sprinklers or escape windows. State grants may be available to reimburse half the costs.