SAUGUS — Superintendent of Schools Erin McMahon sent a letter to the community informing them on budget cuts, including the possibility of having to cut as many as 32 jobs in addition to the already 12 positions being cut due to enrollment decline.
McMahon said a number of things have created financial challenges throughout this school year, including a 45 percent increase in out-of-district tuition, and an increase in costs for transportation — both of which the town is legally required to provide.
As a result of these factors, the district is facing a budget gap of more than $1.5 million, as well as enrollment decline, which is mostly due to continued COVID-19 costs; out-of-district tuition for special-needs students, which is more than $800,000; personnel contractual obligations including pay for teachers, clerks and paraprofessionals; and a reserve for union negotiations and vendor contracts.
“I understand the potential outcome of the budget decision may cause concern and anxiety among our staff and families, which is why I will be as transparent as possible during this process,” McMahon said.
The School Committee proposed a $31.33 million budget for fiscal year 2023 in January, but McMahon informed the community that they may only receive $30.27 million, leaving the district with a deficit of more than $1.05 million.
“We understand the Town of Saugus is also facing significant financial constraints, which will require town leaders to make difficult decisions,” McMahon said. “Our goal is to work together so that town services are not working against each other but, instead, lay out the facts about how potential cuts would impact the School Department.”
If the School Committee’s proposed budget is not adopted, McMahon said, the district may be forced to cut as many as 32 positions, including administrators, paraprofessionals and all teachers — classroom teachers, special-education teachers, and teachers of specials.
“The impact on our district and children would be significant,” McMahon said.
The next step in this process is for the Finance Committee to make a recommendation on the budget to Town Meeting, and Town Meeting members will vote on the district’s budget amount. After that, the School Committee will pass a final budget.
The Town Meeting is scheduled for May.
“I know this is worrisome and I don’t communicate this message to scare our community, but rather to prepare you for the challenging times that may lie ahead. Know that I will continue to keep you updated as the town budget process moves forward,” McMahon said. “We look forward to continuing to work with our town and community partners as we rise out of the state’s bottom 10 percent.”
