Published in the May 20, 2016 edition
By JESSICA VALERIANI
MELROSE — The Melrose School Committee Tuesday voted unanimously for a 2016-17 spending plan.
And, like all annual budgets, this one too presents some challenges.
The fiscal year 2017 plan calls for spending $28,874,140. This number is broken down into two parts, $25,379,140 for salaries and $3,495,000 for non-salary line items.
Committee member Dr. Christine Casatelli made it clear if there were ever a need for money to be shifted towards different priorities, it can be done. She also said that if more money than anticipated becomes available from the state, there would be a vote at a future meeting to determine where to put that money.
Although the vote was unanimous, there were still a number of concerns that arose within the committee. Chairman Margaret Driscoll brought up that there is still a funding shortage issue in the Melrose public schools that needs to continue to be addressed. “This vote in support tonight does not mean we can stop working to find additional resources,” said Driscoll.
Mayor Robert J. Dolan stated that the only way to achieve the goals that the committee has in mind for Melrose public schools is through additional taxation of the people of Melrose.
Although the implementaton of the new budget is going to be difficult, and there are still many concerns from the committee and people of Melrose, Superintendent of Schools Cyndy Taymore was able to shed some positive light on the meeting with her words on the Melrose district.
“We may be lacking, but I have to tell you what we’re not lacking. We’re not lacking great kids, we’re not lacking support of parents, and we’re not lacking outstanding staff that always put the kids first. I don’t want anyone to ever think that this is not a top notch district,” she said.
The next school committee meeting will be held on Tuesday, May 24, at 7 p.m. in City Hall.
