Malone presents five-year budget plan to Swampscott School Committee

SWAMPSCOTT-When it comes to budgeting, the district needs to plan ahead for what could be increasingly difficult times, according to Superintendent Matthew Malone.Even though Malone is leaving the district June 30, 2010 when his current contract expires, he presented the School Committee with a five year budget strategy at its meeting last week.Malone said it is necessary for the district to limit yearly salary increases in all collective bargaining agreements and individual service contracts. On Friday, Malone informed the School Committee he would not accept an increase in his current salary and benefits for fiscal year 2010 in order to help preserve positions and maintain the instructional core of the district.Malone said in addition to reigning in annual salary increases it is also necessary to renegotiate the step increases, which are pay increases teachers receive for each year of service. Teachers who have been with the district for more than 12 years don’t receive step increases, but they do receive longevity payments. According to information provided by Business Manager Ed Cronin, a teacher with a masters degree plus 30 credits, who has been with the district for 18 years, would earn an additional $4,715 in longevity pay alone for FY ?10.Malone also recommended improving internal controls on awarding stipends, overtime and in-service credits, which are for graduate level coursework, to help save money in future years.In addition to reigning in personnel associated costs, Malone said the district needs to renegotiate the Nahant tuition contract and explore future opportunities for regionalization.Malone also recommended consolidating schools and moving to a three school model- elementary, middle and high school.?We can reduce operating costs without sacrificing programs by executing the master plan,” he said.Malone said the district needs to invest in program improvements at the middle and elementary schools even if it means making cuts at the high school level.?This will enable us to sustain and build upward over the next few years as the financial revenues improve,” he said.Malone said a good example of building upward would be the successful Science Technology Engineering and Math (STEM) program at the middle school, which over time could be expanded to the high school level.Malone said it is also important when cuts have to be made to preserve the instruction core, which he said includes English Language Arts, math, science, social studies and foreign language.