Despite deficit, Marblehead schools will stick to budget

MARBLEHEAD – School principals face a potential $215,733 deficit this year, generated by a net increase of 46 new students in Grades 4-8, but they are ready to tough it out and try to live within their budget.The deficit includes $172,000 in special education costs, $25,000 in salary needs at the Marblehead Veterans Middle School, $7,727 for materials at the Marblehead Village School and $10,000 in general operations costs.Superintendent of Schools Paul Dulac promised the School Committee that he will make regular updated reports on their progress every two weeks. He is also discussing the schools’ financial problems with the Finance Committee and town administrator.Dulac described this year’s budget as “tight” and without any reserves.He said he has asked the administrators to be “creative” and they are responding.An estimated 90 new students came back from the Marblehead Community Charter Public School, and each one brings $10,000 in school aid with them. That’s an additional $900,000-$1 million coming to the general fund this year.The School Committee could try to tap some of that money at a special Town Meeting, but Dulac rejected that idea last night. “I want to save that money, not spend it,” he said, pointing out its potential use to save school programs next year, when officials predict a budget deficit.School Committee members agreed with Dulac. “You lose credibility when you ask for too much money,” said James Dearborn, a former FinCom member.Committee member Rob Dana reminded Dulac that the jobs of library aides were cut to balance this year’s budget and warned against any further cuts that would affect education.