School Officials Unhappy With Mayor's Budget

Upon digesting the news that the mayor is recommending approximately $1.2 million less than was requested from the Attleboro School Department in its Fiscal Year 2014 budget, some school committee members are asking members of the public to reach out to their city representatives.

"I do ask that parents - especially parents with 27 kids in their kindergarten class- those parents need to contact their city officials," school committee member Kenneth Parent said during Monday night's meeting, which aired on DoubleACS.com

School committee member Barbara Craw also asked residents to reach out to city officials and the mayor.

"We need the money to keep what we have in place and to be able to catch up with other districts," she added. "So, we have to advocate for our schools and our children. And, I hope that the public gets out there and really voices their concern. Because, we're at a point where enough is enough. We need more."

The reaction came after Attleboro Mayor Kevin Dumas put forth a budget that included $65.4 million for schools - less than the $66.6 million unanimously voted by the school committee last month.

"The mayor has stood pretty steadfast with 'this is the number, no more funds to be given,'" school committee chair Michael Tyler said. "The city side has taken a huge hit in the percentage of 33 percent [in local aid] over the last four years of the city side of the budget."

Superintendent Dr. Pia Durkin said the smaller budget number would likely affect positions originally included in the FY14 budget such as an elementary position at Hyman Fine, a position at Coelho Middle School, two half-time positions for adjustment councilors at Hyman Fine and Hill Roberts, and a half-time position for a board certified behavior analyst at Willett Elementary.

"Those four positions just give you a reflection," she said. "Those are children's positions. They are not about an addition to the things we need to run this district well, but they directly affect children, class size of children, and the quality of education we can give."

Attleboro school business manager Tom Rose said the school committee will have the opportunity to present its needs before the city council at a meeting on June 12. A public hearing on the issue will follow on June 18.

School Committee member David Murphy said school officials should be cautious in how they address their needs. He said officials should work collaboratively and not jump to brinkmanship.

"One of the ways that we build those relationships and partnerships is avoiding highly adversarial rhetoric," he said.

Vice Chair Brenda Furtado said she disagreed with Murphy's sentiment.

"When it comes to your children in the system and your friends' children in the system, it does get a little hostile and it does touch home," she said.