Finance Committee
Minutes Holden Finance Committee, March 3, 2021
Remote via Zoom
Members Present: Paul Challenger, Dave White, Chris Lucchesi, Don Graves, Jane Titcomb, Stephanie Adams, Marilynn Foley
Members Absent: Joe Dolak, John Lambert
Also Present: Peter Lukes, Town Manager, Stephanie King, Asst. Town Manager, Darryll McCall, Superintendent WRSD, Bob Burlo, Deputy Superintendent WRSD, Dan Deedy, Director of Business and Finance WRSD, Jeff Carlson, Director of Human Services, WRSD, Meleah Gustafson, WRSDC
The meeting was called to order at 6:30 PM.
The Superintendent and his team reviewed the Power Point F/Y 2022 Budget Presentation for Holden and answered questions from the Committee. The 5 Domains in the strategic plan, Salaries and Benefits, literacy programs, Pupil Services, Special Education, Debt Service and expenditures were discussed.
A lot of discussion centered around how the COVID 19 pandemic affected the school district. Since schools were closed in March 2020, many changes had to occur to try to educate the students safely. Remote learning was initiated, which meant purchasing equipment and expanding wireless service. School enrollments went down in the District, some families choosing to home school, private schools or other alternatives. However, the district has received federal and state grants for purchasing equipment for students and equipment for providing a safe environment when schools reopen. New COVID 19 relief fund grants are: $164,004.00 for chrome books, $176,898.00 for online reading programs, $1,572,300.00 for school reopening and $600,000.00 for PPE.
The impact of the proposed WRSD Budget effect on Holden was discussed. Holden’s assessment for F/Y 23 will be an increase of $2,373,471.00 or 7.49% over F/Y 22. This Assessment is a $1,000,000.00 more than the Town Manager had budgeted. The Superintendent indicated that the administration and the School Committee were well aware that the proposal was unaffordable for at least 3 of the towns, and that they would need to make significant reductions. They are planning to take a closer look at the budget for reductions (with a sharp pencil) and see what, if any, additional revenues can be found.
The meeting adjourned at 8:10 PM.
Respectfully Submitted,
Marilynn Foley, Clerk