<p>School Budget: A word from the School Committee</p><p>“Austere” is the word the Superintendent used to describe this year’s school budget. It’s more than austere. At this point in the budget process, with an eye toward the projected revenues for the town, the School Committee is looking at possibly cutting over 18 full- time-equivalent positions, plus making cuts in program areas.</p><p>Last year, the Town narrowly passed an override that saved nine full-time equivalent positions. The proposed budget would undo what was saved by the override and bring the services that our system provides to a lower level than we had in the 2005-06 school year. The impact will be primarily increased class sizes and less remedial help for students not on IEPs. It is also likely that fees will be increased across the board.</p><p>As citizens of the town, it’s your input that will help us decide how to allocate our resources. We’d like to know what you want out of your school system. We invite you to attend a public hearing on the School Committee’s proposed budget on Thursday, February 1 at 7:30 PM in the Middle School library.</p><p>The School Committee’s proposed budget represents a 2.1% increase over the current year’s budget. It is $842,162 lower than the Superintendent’s proposed budget which is available on the school website, www.hopkinton.k12.ma.us. Details of the School Committee’s budget will be presented at the public hearing.</p><p>You should be aware that further reductions might be required. Revenue estimates currently indicate that there will be a gap between available town revenues and departmental budget requests. The School Committee is hoping that past patterns prove true and that the Town will receive more funding from the state by the time the Governor’s budget is passed. If this is not the case, we will likely need to make further cuts in order to avoid an override request.</p><p>Tough choices have already been made, and more might need to be made. Please let us know what is most important to you as we strive to maintain the quality of our school system during these difficult times.</p>