WPS - The School Budget

Title/Description	Download
FY 2013 School Committee Budget - Public Hearing March 12, 2012	PDF: 26 pages
FY 2013 School Committee Budget - as of 2/13/2012	PDF: 102 pages
FY 2013 Superintendent Budget Presentation to School Committee - 10/24/11	PDF: 37 pages
FY 2012 School Committee Budget	PDF: 102 pages

Superintendent Olsen presented the FY13 School Committee Budget at the March Public Hearing. Click here for presentation

We are at a crossroad.....

For many years the Westford Community has worked diligently to create a school system in which it can take great pride. Over the last eight years our funding base has not kept pace with the ever-increasing needs of students.

Budget Assumptions:

National and regional growth in jobs and spending will be slow.
Elementary enrollment is beginning to decline slowly, impacting staffing levels.
High School enrollment will continue to increase for the next year or two.
School Choice openings will be increased by 20 students to enhance revenues.
Revolving fund revenues will remain relatively consistent and are needed to supplement the Town's appropriation to fund the total cost of school operations.
We will continue to rely on fees to fund some programs and services.
Federal Education Job funds which supported 25 staff in FY2012 will not be available in FY2013.
Many expense accounts (educational supplies, custodial services, building maintenance) remain underfunded.
School Committee pupil/teacher ratio guidelines will be observed.
The number and complexity of services of students reqiring special education services continues to increase.
Every effort is made to preserve programs and classroom teachers.
Circuit breaker reimbursement is projected at 65%.

Budget Risks

Uncertainty in Chapter 70 Revenues.
Underfunding of our custodial and maintenance accounts for many years, and inadequate funds for equipment replacement ($13,370). We used to appropriate 1% of our budget for equipment replacement.
Leave of Absence funds may be inadequate based on current trends.
Federal Education Jobs Funds no longer available to meet some of our personnel needs.
Greater reliance on Circuit Breaker funds.
Virtually no ability to absorb any unforeseen large scale repairs within our budget.
Salary savings from staff turnovers are minimal.
Many expense appropriations have been reduced and the per-pupil instructional supply allocations have not been increased for several years.
May not be able to provide programs, services and staffing that are necessary to meet the needs of some students.
1ersonnel, programs and services lost due to a revenue shortfall will not return for a number of years.
Continued inability to fund a full day Kindergarten Program.

Westford Public Schools • 23 Depot Street • Westford MA 01886 • Tel: (978) 692-5560 • Fax: (978) 392-4497
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