Swampscott super presents first budget

SWAMPSCOTT – A proposed $25.85 million balanced budget was presented to the School Committee on Wednesday evening.Superintendent Lynne Celli said this is the first budget she has developed in Swampscott.?It was built on collaboration, communication and teamwork,” she said. “I think it strikes a balance.”There had been some discussion putting more stringent graduation requirements in place but Principal Layne Millington said that is something that would not be in put place for this fall because of budget concerns.He explained if the district requires more math or other core courses to graduate that it would impact the budget, which would mean cuts in the arts, music, athletics and electives.?We have not had an override in a long time and I don’t plan on asking for one,” Millington said. “I have a wonderful school the way it is now and I don’t want to jeopardize that by raising core requirements that would necessitate cuts in other places.”Budget Director Ed Cronin gave a brief overview of the budget, which is very similar to the $25.14 million budget for the current fiscal year. The majority of increases in the budget were due to salary increases and other contractual obligations.Celli said there were very few changes to the level service budget.She added she is pleased the district would be able to add a part time health teacher at the elementary school level.?Our commitment to the chemical health policy is one reason for that,” Celli said. “It also allows us to give our elementary teachers adequate planning time.”The budget eliminates one middle school teaching position, which Celli said is no longer needed, and a special education teacher would be added at Stanley Elementary School. Other changes include additional hours for math and literacy tutors.School Committee member Maureen Thomsen said she is pleased the budget process went smoothly this year.?It was not a panic-filled year like we’ve had in the past.In other business, Thomsen announced she would not run for re-election this spring.