School Committee Public Hearing on the FY21 Operating Budget and School Choice

On Wednesday March 4^th, the Masconomet Regional School Committee will hold a Public Hearing on two very important topics; the Fiscal Year 2021 (FY21) District Annual Operating Budget, and participation in the School Choice Program.  Public hearings are an opportunity for members of the public to share their views with the School Committee.  The public hearing will begin at 7:00 PM in the Osgood Presentation Room at Masconomet Regional High School.  The School Committee Policy governing Public Hearings can be found at https://drive.google.com/file/d/1okO6rv7VSnKGF3YtISbnA-7Oeb_C7p8A/view?usp=sharing. 

Here is some information on the two topics of the Public Hearing:

FY21 District Operating Budget

The School Committee is charged with approving the Masconomet Regional District’s Annual Operating Budget and is scheduled to take a final vote to adopt the FY21 Operating Budget on Wednesday March 11^th.  The School Committee is currently considering the Superintendent’s Recommended Budget of $36,580,321, which is an increase of $1,891,054 or 5.45% over the current year.  This budget recommendation is made up of a level service, or the funds necessary to maintain current programs, staffing and materials, increase of $1,673,078 or 4.82% over the current year and “critical priorities” in the amount of $217,976 or a .63% over the current year’s budget.  Detailed information regarding the FY21 Superintendents’ Recommended Budget is available at https://www.masconomet.org/Page/707

School Choice Program Participation

The Massachusetts School Choice Program was created in 1993 as part of the Massachusetts Education Reform Act.  The program allows districts that opt into the program to accept non-resident students into the school system.  Districts are compensated a set amount of $5,000 for each student that is accepted.  Districts that choose to opt into the School Choice Program have the ability to limit the acceptance of students to specific grades and may set limits on how many students are accepted.  The Administration of the Masconomet Regional District is asking the School Committee to consider accepting School Choice students for next year.  The School Committee is currently scheduled to vote regarding participation in the School Choice Program for next year after the conclusion of the Public Hearing on March 4^th.

The School Committee would like to hear your views on these two important issues.  Please considering attending the Public Hearing at 7:00 on March 4^th to lend your input to their decisions.