Why Braintree school officials are warning of potentially 'staggering' budget cuts
BRAINTREE − School officials have to cut $8 million from the proposed budget for the 2024-25 school year, which will likely mean reductions in staff and programs.
"That is a staggering amount for our system," School Superintendent James Lee said.
Lee told the school committee Monday that Mayor Erin Joyce gave him a budget target of $75.5 million for the upcoming school year, barely 1% more than the present school budget of $74.73 million.
Lee told the school committee last month that the schools needed an additional $10 million in their 2024-25 budget to maintain current staff and programs. Of that amount, $6.5 million is needed for contractual pay raises.
Since then, Lee said the schools have found $1.5 million in savings, with $8 million more to go.
Joyce said she has sent guidelines to town departments on their budget proposals, noting that the town is projecting only $3.2 million in additional revenue during the new budget year, which begins July 1.
'Everything is on the table,' Braintree school chief says
Lee offered no specifics on possible cuts at the meeting. He said he would have details in the coming weeks.
"Everything is on the table," Lee said.
He did not mention the possibility of layoffs, but he noted that 84% of the school budget is for personnel costs. He said the cuts are "going to involve a whole lot of people."
School committee member Joseph Fogarty asked Lee if the cuts would mean school redistricting.
"It can," depending on the personnel cuts, Lee replied.
More: Weymouth schools forecasting a tough budget season. They need to cut $2.5 million
School committee Chair Lisa Fiske Heger said cutting the school budget "is a daunting task. This could be potentially very deep cuts in the Braintree schools."
She said the committee would hold weekly meetings to work on the budget.
A public hearing on the school budget is scheduled for April 8.
The school committee sends its budget proposal to the mayor, who can make changes. Joyce must submit the proposal to the town council for its review by May 1. The council can cut the budget, but cannot increase any item.
Reach Fred Hanson at fhanson@patriotledger.com.
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This article originally appeared on The Patriot Ledger: Braintree school officials need to cut 'staggering' $8M from budget
