3/5/2020 FINANCE COMMITTEE Minutes

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4 Finance Committee Minutes March 5, 2020 APPOINTMENTS & HEARINGS Patricia DeBoer, Superintendent of Schools—School Department FY21 Budget - $22,778,314: (continued) The School Operating Budget(non-personnel) for FY 2021 is $4,957,471 reflective of a 7.3% increase. It was noted the Coombs School budget has increased by $10,000 for planned purchases to support the new history/social science curriculum framework, science kits, and flexible classroom furniture. Additional increases support upgrades to media arts equipment, textbook purchases, technology advances,professional development and furnishings. Of note is the out-of-district tuition which is reflective of a 14.5% increase for new-to-Mashpee student's residential placement. This line item is a funding mandate and a variable ranging from $40,000 to $400,000 and does not include transportation. Out-of-District Tuition comprises 28.3% of the operational expense budget. Transportation costs have also risen by 6.2% due to driver wage increases and the replacement of four buses. Transportation assumes 34.1% of this budget. With regards to the School Choice Program, reimbursement funds are generated this year to offset the following years' budget. Most of the students participating in this program are former Mashpee students who have moved. Of the 116 students coming into the schools, it is anticipated that 100 would be attending other schools. The expenditure per pupil is $17,000 per student. With a decline in enrollment, there is no plan to merge the schools. The School Department is proactive doing what they can to create additional enrollment by improving upon resources to educate and retain students. Affordable housing is a concern. Having the Middle/High School is a great way to retain students in Mashpee. It was noted that textbooks are purchased, rented and offered in digital format dependent upon the area of study. The lease of Chromebooks has proved beneficial to the students. Future strategic endeavors planned include the maintenance and improvement of the offerings currently provided and to increase resources, and pathways for students to obtain the best education Mashpee students are able to receive. This would include addressing the social and emotional needs of students at all levels. In closing, Superintendent of Schools Patricia DeBoer announced that School Business Administrator is retiring and he will be greatly missed by the Mashpee Public Schools.