The Marion School District is seeking to adjust two staffing positions at Sippican School, Principal Lyn Rivet told the Marion School Committee during the fiscal year 2016 budget public hearing on March 4.
The proposed budget – totaling $5,774,987 and up by $166,722 or 2.97% from FY15 – includes an increase in the vice principal position from part-time to full-time, as well as an increase in enrichment instruction that would bring the position back up to a 1.0 position after it was reduced in FY15.
According to Rivet, a full-time assistant principal is vital as a role in assisting with the new teacher evaluation system, and would reinforce school and student safety.
“And enrichment,” said Rivet. “It’s that opportunity to service our top learners … and bring that flex wheel back to our students who need to be stretched.”
The rest of the budget remains level service, reflecting increases in areas such as professional staff, up $51,400, with the assistant principal contributing $46,000.
Also driving the budget are contractual agreements, increased utility rates, and an increase in special education services. Special education is up $150,479, an 8.4% increase from FY15.
Superintendent Doug White said the total FY16 budget increase could prove more palatable to the Marion Finance Committee if the district could receive special education circuit breaker funds from the State to offset some of those anticipated costs. White also added that the district has a revolving account that it could dip into if it had to.
“I believe that number to the Town will be reduced once we come up with a reasonable circuit breaker to reduce those costs,” White said.
Also during the meeting, Chairman Joseph Scott and committee member Jay Pateakos announced they would not be seeking reelection this year.
“We definitely would like some new blood on the committee … and keep us moving in the right direction,” said Scott.
Assistant Superintendent Dr. Elise Frangos congratulated White on completing his dissertation that week, saying, “I know how challenging it can be…. It’s a huge accomplishment, so I’m delighted to call him Dr. White.”
“Well, I’m still calling him Doug,” Scott said, eliciting laughter.
The next meeting of the Marion School Committee is scheduled for April 1 at 6:30 pm at the Marion Town House.
By Jean Perry
