Saugus school budget will avoid layoffs

SAUGUS – The Saugus School Committee must still complete its budget for the next fiscal year, but at Thursday?s meeting, the body voted not to lay off any active teacher, and to keep athletic user fees where they are.However, said superintendent Michael Tempesta, if there?s a reduction in enrollment that forces the elimination of a position, that will be done.Athletic user fees will remain at $350 to $400 per sport and not increase to $700, as had been suggested.The fiscal 2016 budget will be carried over into next Tuesday?s meeting at 6 p.m.Jeannie Meredith, vice chairman, wanted to allow the public to view the budget online prior to the next week?s meeting.The committee voted 5-0 to increase lunch prices by 10 cents at the elementary school level and 15 cents at the middle and high school levels due to a U.S. Department of Agriculture state mandate.According to committee member Corinne Riley, elementary school lunch prices will rise from $2.40 to $2.50 and middle/high school lunch costs will go from $2.65 to $2.80 per day.?It?s an unfortunate hike, but we have to follow the state mandate,” Meredith said.Riley said the last increase was in 2002.Parents spoke in opposition of increased athletic user fees before the School Committee took a vote.Parent Susan Bossi, an educator and parent of three, said colleges look for well-rounded students.?What does a well-rounded student look like?,” she asked. “Well, it?s the girl who may never have picked up a golf club, the boy who may have never tried to run track, but needed a ?sport? on his/her college application.”Bossi said athletes learn humility in their mistakes and learn to take a loss and a win.?Don?t underestimate the power of being on a team, being included, gaining confidence, being cheered ? possibly for their first time ever,” Bossi said.Bossi said she didn?t want to see any of her colleagues left jobless.Elizabeth Marchese, who is involved in Saugus baseball, said athletics keeps children away from drugs, sex and behavioral issues.?They need something to do,” Marchese said. “They really do. Sports helps them to strive better.”After the vote, she said it really means a lot to the students and thanked the School Committee for keeping the fees the same.Patricia Romano was formally appointed as the Veterans Memorial Elementary School, and Kelly Moss as Waybright School principal.