Wong foresees more state money for Saugus schools

SAUGUS – State Rep. Donald Wong, R-Saugus, said Saugus could see an extra $100,000 in Chapter 70 funding next year if the 2013 budget passes in the State House next week.?It?s a little over $100,000,” said Wong. “The governor has given certain towns and cities more money, but we in the House and Senate allocated more money for all the towns and cities that did not get money from the governor. We?re trying to make it more even.”Chapter 70 funding is the commonwealth?s total funding for kindergarten through grade 12 schools. Schools are supposed to receive 17.5 percent of their foundation budget in Chapter 70 funds. A school?s foundation budget is the minimum cost to educate kids in a community.Gov. Deval Patrick proposed $4.13 billion in Chapter 70 funds for 2013, which is up from $3.9 billion in 2012. However, the budget still has Saugus receiving $3.8 million, which makes up around 15 percent of its $25.15 million foundation budget and is about the same as last year.Wong said the increase could be a step in the right direction for towns that are underfunded.?From when the governor released his budget in January until now we?ve tried to make it as fair as possible,” said Wong. “Saugus will also be getting a little over $100,000 for local aid too. We?re trying to bring all the other towns and cities up to 17.5 percent. I hope it helps. I?ll try to do what ever I can for the cities and towns I represent.”School Committee member Arthur Grabowski, however, was more pessimistic about the increase.?It could be (a boost),” said Grabowski. “Let?s face it, when the governor puts out his budget, he doesn?t get what he wants and the House Ways and Means doesn?t get what they want. There?s usually a compromise in the middle. According to the governor?s proposal we get nothing extra.”After a recent audit into town finances uncovered $1.4 million in financial violations, Grabowski said the school?s will be in “dire straits” if the town has to deal with steep deficits next year.?There needs to be some sense of reality in the administration building about the school budget and the town?s ability to sustain monies that aren?t there for the schools,” said Grabowski.Grabowski said even if the district does receive an extra $100,000 in state aid next year, it?s likely the schools will need even more.?We asked for $1.4 million,” said Grabowski. “That?s the budget that the School Committee voted to send on to the town. We have had no subsequent conversations about that. Obviously that $1.4 million cannot stand. I think things are pessimistic for the town as a whole. The Town Manager did state categorically that there will be no free cash next year, so there are no pots of money sitting anywhere.”Grabowski said the School Committee will discuss the budget at its meeting next Thursday.Matt Tempesta can be reached at [email protected].