BCS Board Approves Budget

submitted by Charlotte Gregory, Interim Superintendent
The Berlin Board of Education approved an $18,757,983 budget for the 2010-11 school year which reflects a 1.74% increase in the tax levy. The spending level,  raised from the 2009-10 budget of $18,281,718 by $476,265, is driven by increases in salaries and benefits for 202 staff members. The major factor for planning the future budget was a $1.4 million dollar cut in State aid to the Berlin District in the Governor’s Proposal.
Prior to this meeting, the Board had reduced the District’s costs for education by passing a motion to close the Grafton Elementary School with declining enrollments, representing a savings of $540,000 in instructional costs. Four modular classrooms would be added to the Berlin Elementary School to accommodate the overflow of students for a five year period at a year-one cost of $356,560 and ongoing leasing costs of $34,600 for four years.  During this five-year period, the Board expects to develop with the community a plan for the District’s future.
The budget was approved by a 5-2 vote with Stewart and Morelli voting no. The Board majority felt that the budget was in the best interests of students and community. Programs for pre-k, kindergarten, summer school, distance learning, sports and after school activities remain intact.
The public will have the opportunity to vote on the budget and four Board candidates on May 18 at the Berlin Fire Hall from noon to 9 pm.