Silver Lake School Committee Rejects Cuts to Extracurriculars, Explores Funding Options
Budget Shortfall Prompts Creative Solutions, Including Potential Special Education Program
KINGSTON - February 13 - The Silver Lake Regional School Committee has decided against cutting extracurricular activities or reducing staff positions despite facing a $1 million budget shortfall for the upcoming fiscal year. The committee is instead exploring alternative funding sources to maintain programs and staffing levels.
During a lengthy meeting Feb. 13, committee members expressed strong opposition to proposed cuts that would have eliminated athletics, clubs, and other after-school programs.
"I could not live with myself knowing that we have $2 million in the bank, and we're cutting programs, and we're cutting staff," said committee member Jason Fraser. "I don't think that was the intent of anybody on this committee or the administration."
The committee is considering using excess and deficiency (E&D) funds, increasing user fees, and other measures to bridge the budget gap. A potential vote on fee increases was postponed until more information is available on certified E&D funds from the state.
Sarah Hickey, the district's Director of Finance & Operations, presented a budget with a 12.6% increase over the previous year, totaling nearly $45 million. After anticipated grants and revolving funds, the district faces a $1,017,419 shortfall to reach the committee's goal of a 2% increase over FY25.
Major cost drivers include a $1.3 million increase in salaries, over $1 million in special education out-of-district tuition, and significant rises in insurance and transportation costs.
The committee also discussed a proposal for a new high school special education program aimed at reducing out-of-district placements. Dr. Christine Panarese, Director of Student Services, presented the plan, which would cost approximately $319,000.
"The high school SEL [social-emotional learning classroom] ... that's where my kids are going out," Dr. Panarese said, explaining the potential benefits of keeping students in-district.
Committee members expressed interest in the program but deferred a decision until more budget details are finalized.
The committee voted to move the food service director and secretary positions to a revolving account, saving $153,769 in the general budget. They also discussed potential fee increases for athletics, parking, and preschool tuition, which could generate about $87,000 in additional revenue.
Fraser, the committee's legislative agent, provided an update on efforts to secure more state and federal funding for education. He highlighted ongoing lobbying efforts to increase circuit breaker reimbursements and fully fund federal programs like Title I and IDEA.
"We are doing all these little things," Fraser said. "It doesn't hurt to hear from constituents. If you want to raise your voice with me, feel free."
The committee did not take a final vote on the budget, opting to wait for more information on certified E&D funds and shared costs. They plan to meet again following a joint meeting with town officials on Feb. 25.
Committee Chair Gordon Laws summarized the group's direction: "What we're prepared to say to the towns as a committee is that we will not be adopting the cuts to extracurriculars nor the cuts to headcount."
The proposed regional operating assessment to member towns, based on a 2% budget increase, would result in a 5.9% increase for Halifax, 3.4% for Kingston, and 0.8% for Plympton. These figures may change based on final budget decisions.
Jonathan Seelig, a Halifax Selectman speaking as a resident, urged the committee to consider long-term sustainability in their budget decisions.
"I ask you to overturn every rock, as you always do, to come up with ways to fund," Seelig said. "I also ask you guys to think about sustainability because not to be Debbie Downer, but these tough times, unless things drastically change, might be here again next year."