Aiming for a level-service budget for the next fiscal year, Old Rochester Regional Superintendent of Schools Mike Nelson told the Marion School Committee during its February 8 meeting that he had met with the Marion Finance Committee and Finance Director Heather O’Brien.
“We are at a place where the cost of doing business is driving the overall number that we are seeing in the FY25 budget,” said Nelson, relaying a presentation from Assistant Superintendent of Finance and Operations Howie Barber (who was not present), categorizing departmental increases according to contractual obligations (staffing, etc.), utility contracts (gas, power, electricity) student services (transportation, special needs), and technology (devices and software.) “Inflation has certainly taken a toll on the budget process thus far. … Obviously, the town has the responsibility of supporting every department’s budget, but our job here is to support what we think the kids and families need and the staff members here at Sippican School.”’
The Budget Subcommittee had met earlier in the day, Nelson noted.
The Marion School Committee will eventually hold a budget hearing, presumably vote to approve so that the budget can be approved by the Select Board and go on the warrant for Town Meeting.
The bid process for the busing contract has closed, and the administration is weighing two proposals.
In her Chairperson’s Report, April Nye talked about the 50th anniversary of the Volunteers at Sippican Elementary (VASE.) Nye alluded to the many enrichment experiences, including field trips, activities, visits from artists of various kinds made available by the organization’s grassroots, community volunteerism.
“It’s such an integral part of what Sippican truly is, and I just want to personally thank them,” said Nye.
The committee took several votes during the meeting.
The members approved the following donations: $500 from the Cape Cod 5 Foundation for Sarah Jacques’ project Sippican Snack Squad, $2,080.77 donation from Shutterfly for photos, $1,895.30 donation from Art to Remember to programs at Sippican School.
The committee approved two grants: an $8,321 Federal Targeted Special Education Program Improvement Grant for individuals with disabilities and $50,000 for the Math Acceleration Academies.
“I want to express our thanks to, obviously, everybody in the superintendent’s office, especially Dr. (Shari) Fedorowicz for getting these grants. They’re so important for the students,” said April Nye. “If families haven’t signed up, take advantage of it. It’s such a great opportunity for them to do so. And we obviously thank the state for providing that $50,000 because it’s much needed.”
Nelson added his gratitude to ORR District teachers who participate in the out-of-calendar program, citing the value of having students see familiar instructors.
The committee voted to support the School Health Unit Application through the Massachusetts Department of Public Health as submitted by Sippican Elementary School Nurse Megan Morais. The agreement has been endorsed and signed by the nurse, school physician Dr. Steven Mendes and Nelson.
The committee approved the READS Collaborative Agreement Amendment.
The committee conducted an initial discussion on School Choice for FY25. Historically, Sippican is not a School Choice school district. The committee is obliged to hold a public hearing on the matter annually.
The committee discussed the possibility of a community resource animal and voted to add one, provided all the variables line up. Sippican Elementary now has a School Resource Officer, Jonathan Tracy, and Nelson had already discussed adding a resource animal with Marion Police Chief Richard Nighelli.
“We’ve been able to secure some of that grant funding … we’re already in a good place policy wise,” said Nelson. “I’m at a place now that, if we can figure out the resource pieces, I’m hoping you’ll take a vote tonight to say, ‘yes, we want a community resource animal here at Sippican School, if the resources are available.’”
Nelson said the administration tracks students for allergies and is prepared to make any accommodations.
In relaying Barber’s report, Nelson said Marion had $444,957 remaining in the FY24 operating budget, calling it a good place to be.
A play structure donated to Sippican School by Tabor Academy has been installed and will include a second swing set. Nye publicly thanked Tabor for the support.
The committee entered executive session to discuss collective bargaining and only returned to adjourn the public meeting.
The next meeting of the Marion School Committee is scheduled for Thursday, March 14, at 6:30 pm at Sippican Elementary School.
Marion School Committee
By Mick Colageo