Rockland Schools Approve Budget Reallocation Amid Program Cuts

Additional state funding to reduce reliance on non-recurring revenue as district faces staff and program reductions

ROCKLAND, MA - September 9 - The Rockland School Committee approved a budget reallocation of $192,621 in additional Chapter 70 funding Monday night, aiming to create a more sustainable budget without increasing overall spending. The move comes as the district grapples with significant program cuts and staff reductions amid ongoing budget constraints.

Superintendent Alan Cron reported that over 30 positions have been eliminated to accommodate budget realities.

"I do not want to see us have to lay off again. I'm concerned that you can only cut so far before safety becomes an issue," Cron said during the meeting.

The reallocation plan reduces the district's reliance on non-recurring revenue sources. The salary line has been reduced by $116,093 due to job eliminations and layoffs. Additionally, out-of-district tuition costs have been cut by $283,936, and out-of-district transportation expenses reduced by $155,072.

Despite efforts to maintain academic integrity, the district has had to make significant program cuts. The wood shop program has been eliminated, leaving the construction technology teacher position vacant. Foreign language offerings at the middle school level have also been reduced.

School Committee member Jaime Hennessy inquired about the impacts of staff reductions.

Cron acknowledged, "We're tight at Esten with coverages for various places around the building."

The budget constraints have led to difficult decisions across the district.

"We have to let something go," Cron explained. "When someone says, how can you let me go? We have to let something go."

Jane Hackett, the district's Assistant Superintendent for Administration, Finance and Personnel, detailed the reallocation strategy: "We are not increasing our budget by $192,000. What we're doing with that money is minimizing our utilization of circuit breaker and revolving by an even amount, $96,311 each."

Despite the challenges, Cron expressed confidence in the current fiscal year's budget.

"For this current year, I am very confident with our ability on where we're tracking financially," he stated.

School Committee members expressed concern about the long-term impacts of the cuts to programming and academic impacts. The committee also discussed the potential for future budget challenges.

"For next year, I'm confident with the budget that's before you that we can afford what's on our plate right now," Hackett stated, emphasizing the "right now" aspect.

The approved budget reallocation represents a step towards building a more sustainable financial foundation for Rockland Public Schools, even as it grapples with the immediate impacts of program and staff reductions.