Budget a challenge to outgoing Marblehead school super

MARBLEHEAD – Superintendent of Schools Paul Dulac has told the School Committee that he already “feel(s) a terrific challenge” as he tries to find operating money for a Grade 5 Spanish teacher, two full-time technology positions, salary increases for the lead nurse and athletic director and special education outside placements in his level service Fiscal 2012 school budget, his last Marblehead budget.With Dulac?s successor scheduled to be named in February, the budget process is being accelerated so the next superintendent can help formulate the budget he or she will have to live with next year.?There?s no fat left,” Dulac said, referring to this year?s $28.6 million budget. “I can guarantee you that.”Increased special education out-of-district placements have already created an $856,517 deficit in the special education account. Dulac originally budgeted $481,148, based on recent years. School Business Manager Brian Salzer told the committee in his report that he is continuing to keep an eye on those costs and expects some help from the state “circuit breaker” aid next year. Meanwhile, Dulac will factor the increases in as part of next year?s budget.Worse yet, there are already rumors of a 5-10 percent drop in next year?s state aid to schools.?It is early and this is just a prediction but probably at least somewhat accurate,” Dulac said.The superintendent said he has started his budget process expecting state aid to remain the same, and expects to know more about state aid when Town Administrator Tony Sasso holds his state of the town meeting Wednesday, Jan.5.American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), the federal stimulus funding that gave Marblehead $450,000 this year, will end Dec. 31. Dulac noted that none of that money was used for recurring items so it won?t affect his operating budget.The superintendent said he anticipates eight-10 possible retirements in June, which could free up $240,000-$300,000.He is also hopeful that donations can be used to fund computer purchases and other technology.School Committee member Jonathan Lederman asked whether class offering reductions at the high school could reduce teaching staff. Dulac warned him against making assumptions based on a report by Principal Kenneth Weinstein, showing 26 classes with less than 12 students.Lederman asked Dulac to prioritize his budget additions as a guide to the committee. Committee member Dick Nohelty asked him to present multiple options in his budget.