Kingston Schools Face Severe Budget Cuts, Potential Staff Reductions
School committee grapples with 4% budget increase that could result in loss of up to 18 teachers
KINGSTON - January 6 - The Kingston School Committee is confronting a dire financial situation that could lead to significant staff reductions and larger class sizes for the 2024-2025 school year. At Monday’s meeting, committee members discussed a proposed 4% budget increase that, if implemented, would result in cuts of up to 18 teachers and 11.6 paraprofessionals.
Superintendent Jill Proulx presented a budget scenario that would require $1.7 million in cuts to meet the town's 4% increase target. The cuts were outlined in three tiers, with Tier 1 cuts of $57,950 already implemented.
Tier 2 cuts, totaling $799,000, would include the elimination of 8.6 full-time and 3 part-time paraprofessionals, 2 custodians, and 5 teachers. Tier 3 cuts, amounting to $975,000, would result in the loss of an additional 13 teachers.
"We're not looking at improvement with a 4% increase. We're looking at losses in those areas that will most likely present obstacles for our students," Proulx said.
Committee member Jeanne Coleman expressed frustration with the situation, stating, "In seven years on the school committee, this is probably the most frustrating budget I've ever seen."
The proposed cuts come at a time when Kingston schools are already operating with tight budgets. Sarah Hickey, Director of Finance and Operations, noted that Kingston spends less per student than the state average.
"As far as out-of-district vocational, those are the Norfolk Agricultural and Bristol Agricultural students. Kingston currently has six students in programs in both of those schools. I have budgeted eight placements. I've budgeted tuition and transportation for eight students to agricultural programs," Hickey said, highlighting the early projections on costs beyond their control.
The committee also discussed potential revenue options, including charging bus fees for students living under 2 miles from school and moving to half-day kindergarten with charges for full-day students. However, these options were met with resistance from some committee members.
"When we talk about things like charging for buses, which kept our children out of school for an extra four months during COVID because we weren't allowed to do that, or charging for full-day kindergarten, which is the reason that people will take the tax burdens to move to Kingston because we have had full-day kindergarten for so long, that's offensive to those families that moved here for those reasons," Coleman said.
The budget constraints come as Kingston schools face increasing demands, including the need for additional English Language (EL) services. The presentation reported that 55 students at Kingston Elementary School and 51 at Kingston Intermediate School require EL services, but current staffing levels do not meet recommended instructional minutes.
Committee members expressed concern about the impact of potential cuts on educational quality and the town's reputation for strong schools.
"People move here because our schools are so great. And they want their children to receive it. They want to receive a Kingston Public Schools education," member Megan Cannon said.
The committee did not make a final decision on the budget at this meeting. They plan to gather more information, including potential unemployment costs associated with staff reductions, before the public budget hearing on Feb. 3.
Committee members urged the public to stay informed and engaged in the budget process. "If anyone has any questions about the budget process, please reach out to one of us between now and meetings, and please continue to watch these meetings and be involved," Coleman said.
The Kingston School Committee will continue to work on the budget in the coming weeks, balancing fiscal constraints against educational needs as they prepare for a potential override vote at the Town Meeting.