GREENFIELD — Greenfield’s School Committee last week gave final approval to a $17,930,000 budget for next year.
That’s down from the $18.1 million budget initially approved by the School Committee and subsequently cut by Town Council.
“There’s lots of things the principals asked for that were not included, and did not get reflected in this budget,” Superintendent Jordana Harper said. “We’re pleased to be able to put together a budget that makes those types of accommodations, in addition to the cuts recommended by Town Council and to have absorbed additional cuts from governor’s office.”
The budget preserves the current level of staffing in the department, Harper said, with six teachers who were laid off as the budget was being formulated regaining their jobs under the final proposal.
It also includes funding for an adjustment councilor at the high school — a request flagged as a top priority for the department.
“It maintains class sizes, provides a modest salary adjustment, and the format provides clear accounting and transparency,” Harper said. “The all-funds approach shows not just the general fund but how grants and offsets are used for a fuller picture.”
Notably, the district will not take the Town Council’s recommendation to switch its trash pickup services over to the town Department of Public Works, since Mayor William Martin said it would involve a substantial fee to breach the current contract with Waste Management and would cost the town more than the contract already in place.
Member Adrienne Nunez, the chair of the Budget, Negotiations and Finance subcommittee, noted the committee will likely approach Town Council with a supplemental request later this year to help pay special education costs — one of the most volatile line items in the budget.
The committee also instructed Harper to look into expanding volunteer programs within the schools and civics instruction amid rising racial tensions and public violence nationwide.
You can reach Tom Relihan at: trelihan@recorder.com. On Twitter, follow
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