Budget outlook is best in years for city schools

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May 7, 2009

By Cate Lecuyer The Salem News Thu May 07, 2009, 10:31 AM EDT

BEVERLY — With a decrease in state funding, rising costs and a rocky economy, many schools are struggling to make ends meet.

Beverly isn't one of them.

"We're in a good place right now," Superintendent James Hayes said. "We've done a terrific job of managing our budget in special education."

The district is — maybe — facing a $158,000 shortfall, but there's a good chance the state will kick in an extra $211,000, Hayes said. Even without it, the difference is easily made up. It's likely there could even be a surplus this year that will carry over into next year.

This is a much different scenario than last year, when the city closed the McKeown Elementary School and turned it into an alternative secondary school to help reduce a $1.6 million budget shortfall.

"We suffered the pain for the last several years," Hayes said. "We've closed two schools in five years. We've laid off a lot of staff. We've had our turn."

Until recently, Hayes had predicted a $931,881 shortfall, but a big part of that — $615,442 to be exact — was reduced by two circuit-breaker payments that will carry over into next year. The circuit breaker is a state program that reimburses school districts for high-cost special needs students.

Beverly didn't need all the money it got this year, because it has saved money by educating some students at the alternative school at McKeown, rather than sending them out of district. Also, some students who had very expensive out-of-district placements have moved, Hayes said. That means the schools can keep the extra circuit-breaker money for next year.

"We've had good fortune, and we planned well," he said.

There are also some other savings that will factor into next year's budget, including $25,000 on textbooks that was spent this year instead of budgeted for next year, and $184,967 to be saved by laying off two elementary teachers. The decision isn't final and will depend on enrollment, not finances, Hayes said.

There are two classes that are one student away from the maximum allowed, but not over. If they go over, the two teachers would stay, and those classes would be split to keep the number of students down.

Meanwhile, the district is still waiting to hear how much state aid will go to Beverly and is starting to wrap up the current year's budget, which ends in June.

"I think there will be some surplus from this year," Hayes said. "But we don't have a handle on how much right now."

Staff writer Cate Lecuyer can be reached at clecuyer@salemnews.com

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Budget outlook is best in years for city schools

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