Budget development has begun. This is a task that is meant to include the community during the entire process. Your voice can make a difference--the budget is a reflection of the priorities that our community brings to us. The earlier you become involved, the better.
How can you participate?
- Attend meetings and budget work sessions (schedule below)
- Watch recorded meetings online or on LCATV
- Follow along with the minutes and budget presentations online
- Call, email, or talk to your board members
This budget year will depend greatly on the result of the unification vote. Why? First off, the "hold harmless protection" that has given us phantom students in our student count will expire if we do not unify. This will lower our student count immediately, causing a corresponding increase in our spending per pupil (which directly affects tax rate).
A second consideration is the "allowable growth" law put in place earlier this year. It dictates what our budget change can be based on spending per pupil. Without unification, early indicators tell us that we may have to absorb a large cut, despite the fact that state law also compels us to provide universal preK to every student.
Keep tuned in as we work through the new mandates and how each situation could impact budget.
Monday, October 5 -
Regular School Board meeting
6:30pm at Westford
School, see agenda for topic times
·
FY'15
end of year budget status - A report from our financial officer on the close of
the FY'15 budget year and how well we executed to the budgeted amount.
·
FY'17
Budget guidance - A presentation from our financial officer on the anticipated
state and local budget starting conditions which will be in place for the FY'17
Westford School budget.
Monday, November 30 -
Regular School Board meeting with budget focus
6:30pm at Westford
School, see agenda for topic times
·
FY'17
Budget recommendations - Budget presentation from our administration and
financial officer with recommendations for budgeting decisions. This will take into account known Special
Education requirements, staffing, site and maintenance, and technology
needs.
Thursday, December 3 -
Budget Worksession #1
6:30pm at Westford
School
·
Board
discussion with opportunity for community input. Goals include defining Board broad direction
on budget, provide feedback to administration and financial officer on
requested budget changes.
Thursday, December 10 -
Budget Worksession #2
6:30pm at Westford
School
·
Continued
board discussion with opportunity for community input. Review of requested budget changes and their
impact and update on any state guidance on tax rate, common level of appraisal,
etc.
Tuesday, December 17 -
Budget Worksession #3
6:30pm at Westford
School
·
Final
review of proposed FY'17 budget with opportunity for community input. Prepare budget numbers, vote warning, and
presentation materials in advance of the Joint Meeting
Wednesday, January 6 -
Joint Meeting with Select Board
7:00pm at Westford
School
·
Presentation
of the proposed FY'17 budget. Final
proposed budget accepted by Board for public warning in anticipation of vote at
Town Meeting Day
Monday, February 29 -
Budget Informational Meeting
7:00pm at Westford
School
·
Town
Meeting review of proposed FY'17 budget
Tuesday, March 1 - Budget
vote
7:00am to 7:00pm at
Westford School
Up to date meeting agendas, minutes, and
materials can be found on http://www.ccsuvt.org/westford at the "School
Board" quick link
The public is invited and encouraged to attend.
