Worcester schools budget proposal: $586 million, no layoffs planned, uncertainty remains
WORCESTER ― The proposed Worcester Public Schools budget for the next school year is set at $586 million, an increase of $33.8 million, or 6.1% over last year.
The district announced earlier this month that the proposed budget would be within striking distance of $600 million and the budget is undergoing a series of public hearings before it will ultimately be voted on by the School Committee.
Unlike last year, which saw the district cut nearly 200 positions due to budget shortfalls, no layoffs are anticipated under the current proposed budget. However, in a press release the district has noted that a few outstanding items remain beyond the city's control, such as actions by the federal government, which controls 9% of the district's proposed budget, and state funding.
More: Impact of school budget cuts: 86 classroom teachers, 70 support staff, 22 administrators
"No layoffs are planned due to the budget next year. However, Worcester Public Schools continues to monitor actions by the federal government, which provides 9% of the district budget. Additionally, the state Legislature may make adjustments to the final amount that Worcester Public Schools receives," the district stated.
From the proposed budget, $142 million will come from the city, while $381 million comes from the state, with the remaining funding coming from federal grants and other minor revenue sources.
Superintendent Rachel Monárrez stated that the district is proud to be past the difficult cutting process and that resources can be used to help the highest-need students in the district.
"I am grateful we can begin to move our resource allocation in the right direction to support our scholars, especially our highest-need students, even if we are doing so incrementally,' Monárrez said. 'While factors such as inflation reimbursement and health benefits pose a challenge, we are building upon a strong foundation to ensure funding is used in the most effective manner possible, now and in the future.'
The proposed budget would be the first in which the district uses what it calls its equity-based budgeting practice, a formula developed by Monárrez and Deputy Superintendent and Chief Financial Officer Brian Allen that is intended to better allocate resources to schools and students that have been historically underserved.
Allen, who will take over as superintendent in July, said the budget has been constructed with the intent of putting educators at the forefront.
"This budget prioritizes classroom investments including common planning time and textbook and technology purchases, despite ongoing challenges," Allen stated. "Through it all, we are putting educator voice at the forefront and ensuring our budget is rooted in the district's 'Vision of a Learner' and strategic plan priorities."
Part of the budget will add eight additional climate and culture coordinators in Worcester secondary schools, new positions that were created last year to help improve student behavior and encourage better outcomes for students struggling in school.
More: Climate and culture team aims for reform at Worcester East Middle School
Other aspects of the budget include funding to replace approximately 6,000 Chromebooks, which are given out to students across the district, the use of "late" buses at all middle and high schools to help transport students who have after-school activities, and to maintain current staffing ratios of 21 students per teacher across the district.
The School Committee held public meetings on the budget May 19 and 27, and will hold additional meetings on June 5 and 18.
This article originally appeared on Telegram & Gazette: Worcester Public Schools proposed budget set at $586 million
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