AUBURN — How much Auburn schools should spend in 2016-17, including classroom supplies, will be discussed at a budget hearing at 7 p.m. Wednesday, March 30, at the City Council Chamber of Auburn Hall.
Washburn Elementary School teacher Timothy Wegmann said Tuesday the budget isn’t providing money for classroom supplies. Since January, there’s no money for tissues for children’s runny noses, he said.
A tutor in his class, whom Wegmann described as among the lowest paid in the district, bought tissues for students.
“It almost made me cry,” he said.
Wegmann has taught in Auburn for 20 years. The amount of money schools and teachers get for supplies is insignificant, he said. He used to get $300 a year for classroom supplies.
“Those funds have dried up,” he said.
Money for apps for iPads or copier ink toner isn’t available, he said.
Superintendent Katy Grondin disagreed with Wegmann, saying there is money available for building supplies. It’s up to individual principals to decide what to buy for each building. Students should not go without tissues, Grondin said, adding she’d look into the problem.
Earlier this month, Grondin presented her recommended $41 million budget to the School Committee. It’s about $2 million more than last year to cover pay raises, health care costs and building supplies, she said.
Also, this is the year school districts must pay 100 percent of their share toward local education, as determined by the state education funding formula. If Auburn doesn’t spend more, it, like Lewiston, stands to lose state education dollars.
The School Committee, concerned that the city charter says the budget can’t go higher than inflation without voters’ permission, cut Grondin’s recommended budget to $40 million.
A $40 million budget would mean an estimated property tax increase of 45 cents per $1,000 worth of property, or $67 for a home valued at $150,000.
The $40 million budget would also mean less for students.
“We’re not addressing needs,” Grondin said.
There would also be less librarian help at schools.
All elementary libraries are now covered by 5.5 educational technician IIIs. The lower spending plan would provide for only 3.5 ed tech IIIs.
The middle school’s one librarian would become an ed tech, and one of the two librarians at the high school would become ed techs.
Other reductions would include:
• less money for the high school’s building expenses;
• one new bus instead of two; and
• several reductions in staff, including one technology integrator.
It’s frustrating, Grondin said. How can Auburn schools make an impact on addressing needs “while we can’t even maintain services and programs?” she asked.
Wegmann said with the budget around $40 million, “there should be enough to go around,” he said. “It’s a priority issue where resources are allocated. It tends always to be a top-down management.”
Grondin disagreed. The Vision 2020, which outlines the school department’s goals, was written with input from staff, students, parents and community members.
“Implementing Vision 2020 is at the core of our work to shift from a traditional educational system to one that better meets the needs of all students,” Grondin said.
What you need to know:
How much is the proposed budget?
Superintendent Katy Grondin recommended $41 million. The School Committee cut it to $40 million, which is $1 million more than last year.
What would that mean for taxpayers?
A $40 million budget would increase property taxes an estimated 45 cents per $1,000 of value, or an estimated $67 a year for a $150,000 property.
When is the public hearing?
7 p.m., Wednesday, March 30, City Council Chamber in Auburn Hall.
When do voters decide on the budget?
Tuesday, June 14
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