ITEM FILE PHOTO
Lynn City Hall.
BY BRIDGET TURCOTTE
LYNN — After a contentious debate, the School Committee passed a $138.5 million school budget.
Disagreement revolved around an extended-day program that the panel wanted to see included in the spending plan. Committee member Donna Coppola lobbied for the program that proponents say would benefit families.
“Most communities around us have this extended-day service for their kids,” she said. “I want to see it in this budget.”
To pay for it, Coppola proposed cuts including $25,000 from security system updates, $30,000 from technology network supplies and maintenance, and $18,000 — the amount that would fund the program — from the superintendent’s public relations account.
John Ford, a committee member, argued that the board doesn’t have enough expertise to decide on making cuts.
“It’s more prudent to ask Mr. McHugh to find the money in the budget,” he said, referring to
Kevin McHugh, the district’s business administrator.
Ford added that it would be inappropriate to make assumptions that money could be “cherry picked” from individual line items.
Superintendent Catherine Latham opposed any changes to the budget. She said it is too late, noting that contracts have been signed and commitments made.
“There are 26 schools, 16,000 students,” she said. “I am making decisions to make sure everything is run. The budget here is not frivolous. This budget does not deprive the students in this city. There is nothing wrong with this budget. I stand by it.”
While committee member Jared Nicholson said he agreed with the importance of providing the after-school program, he expressed concerns about eliminating necessary items.
The board approved the budget on a 4-2 vote, with Coppola and member Maria Carrasco opposed. Mayor Judith Flanagan Kennedy did not attend the meeting.
Latham agreed to consider the possibility of an after-school pilot program to be offered at one to two high-risk elementary schools. She said she would talk to teachers and report back to the committee by October.
More than 30 percent of the school budget goes to the department, said McHugh. It includes 22 percent of teachers’ salaries and 53 percent of the non-salary budget, he said.
The city plans to hire a new special education director who will oversee the department that serves more than 3,000 students.
Latham said the ideal candidate will be a dedicated person who knows a lot about special education.
The school committee finalized the qualifications for the position. Candidates must have a bachelor’s degree and a Master of Education in administration of special ed. A doctorate is preferred, but not required. The salary for the position will be negotiated.
The position was vacated by Cheryl Menino, who retired after 15 years.
Jessica McLaughlin, assistant director, is serving on an interim basis until a permanent hire is selected.
Latham said a new director is expected to be chosen in less than a few months.
Bridget Turcotte can be reached at [email protected]. Follow her on Twitter @BridgetTurcotte.
