Pittsfield School Committee Sees Level-Funded Budget
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The School Committee delayed voting Wednesday on a level-funded fiscal 2021 budget of $65,113,700 that would include near $1.4 million in cuts.
"It seems like we were in the fast lane and then we had to come to a screeching halt as deadlines loom," Chairwoman Kathrine Yon said. "We are seeing things change daily and it is very difficult to put all of our eggs in one basket."
Last week, administrators came before the School Committee empty handed because with the COVID-19 pandemic essentially resetting the state budget, they had little context to build their own budget.
All that was known was that they longer expected to get a nearly $2.5 million increase in Chapter 70 funding and now were looking at accepting a level-service or a level-funded budget for 2FY021 that would instantly prompt $1.4 million in cuts.
Mayor Linda Tyer said the committee is supposed to vote on the budget next week so something is ready for City Council for May 1. However, the city solicitor informed her that because of the state of emergency, the city can be afforded more flexibility with deadlines.
She urged the School Committee to delay the vote.
"If possible I would like us to take as much time as we can," Tyer said. "... Because if we find ourselves in a position where the fiscal picture is better than what we think it is, I would like us to be able to reconsider some of the reductions."
Tyer said the city side plans to stick with the budgetary calendar but approvals would likely be pushed out to the summer.
Her administration is developing multiple budgetary scenarios, including a level-funded budget that at this point in time looks to be the best case scenario.
"It means that we have increased costs but we have decreased revenue so that equals budget cuts," Tyer said. "We will be doing the same thing on the municipal side."
The mayor said she wanted to avoid moving to a 1/12 budget, which would be required going into fiscal 2021 if a budget is not approved.
"It is a cumbersome and an unwieldy process that I hope to avoid," Tyer said. "We have a lot of uncertainty but I feel like we have a strong team in place and I know this discouraging news."
She will be in communication with the state's administration and finance team and the Department of Revenue to learn more about the state budget that currently is in a "holding pattern."
She said many communities are in the same position and the state is considering budgetary "relief valves" She added that state Sen. Adam Hinds and state Rep. Tricia Farley-Bouvier are exploring legislation that would offer communities like Pittsfield, which are at their levy ceiling, some relief.
It was noted that layoff notices may still be released because of contractual mandates even if the School Committee is able to see a revised budget.
The School Committee did open the hearing — held on the Zoom platform because of rules limiting gatherings — up to callers and heard from one teacher, Ruth Cohen, who wanted to make sure that if cuts were made that they were done with the students in mind. She urged that the committee consider administrative cuts instead of eliminating those who work directly with students.
"We are heartbroken to miss out on this year and when we come back, whenever that may be, kids are going to be in a bad place," Cohen said. "We are able and willing to clean up whatever mess may be left behind but this is a time where I think we need boots on the ground."
Superintendent Jason McCandless said if they are forced to accept a level-funded budget they will make cuts throughout and do their best to salvage elements that directly affect education.
Tags: fiscal 2021, pittsfield schools, school budget,
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