Gov. Charlie Baker’s State Budget proposal unveiled two weeks ago included education funding increases that initially seemed promising, but Superintendent Mary Bourque contended this week that the proposal falls short of what Chelsea requires.
“fblikebutton_button”
“Although a step in the
right direction for public education and in particular gateway cities, the
Governor’s FY20 budget does not go nearly far enough,” Bourque noted in a letter dated Feb. 6.
The Chelsea Public Schools face the prospect of cutting another $2 million from their budget in the coming year, according to Bourque. This represents a continuation of reductions that have accumulated over multiple years and diminished core student services.
A significant challenge stems from rapidly escalating salaries, health insurance premiums, and special education expenses. Bourque indicated these categories alone are expected to increase by $5.2 million this year.
While Gov. Baker’s budget proposal allocates an additional $3.2 million to Chelsea compared to the previous year, this increase proves insufficient to offset the rising costs.
For at least five years, the schools have engaged in ongoing efforts to reform the Foundation Formula, an advocacy battle that has yet to yield results.
“Once again we are facing
another year of painful budget cuts because the foundation formula used to
calculate aid to our schools is broken,” she wrote. “The formula from 1993 has
not kept up with inflation, changing demographics or increased student
needs. I am however, encouraged this year that all leaders at the State
level have acknowledged that the formula is broken, including for the first
time the Governor.”
Bourque detailed the multifaceted challenges confronting Chelsea Schools, identifying several factors contributing to the funding shortfall.
A particularly concerning development involves declining student enrollment. Since education funding is tied to student numbers, fewer pupils directly translates to reduced revenue for the district.
Bourque explained that enrollment has begun showing a downward trend this year for the first time in several years. She attributed this to fewer students arriving from abroad and families relocating to Chelsea’s surrounding areas where housing and living expenses are lower.
“In addition to the
foundation formula undercounting critical costs, a significant portion of this
year’s $2 million dollar gap is due to student demographic shifts taking place
in our schools,” she wrote. “We are seeing a downward trend in student
enrollment…This year we have noted fewer students entering our schools from
outside the United States as well as a number of students and families moving
from Chelsea due to the high cost of living in the Boston area.” Under the City Charter, the Chelsea Public Schools must submit a balanced budget by April 1. Bourque indicated the district intends to advocate with House and Senate members to address the existing funding gaps.