Will Taxes Increase to Pay for Education?

Is there an appetite to raise taxes this year?

That's what Board of Education chairman Don O'Day asked Board of Finance members at a joint meeting held Monday at Staples High School.

Both boards met to begin budget discussions early. 

The Board of Education said it must increase its budget by $2.5 million over last year to meet contractual obligations with teachers. That's an increase that would not change anything except teacher salaries, O'Day said.

Last year the school district's budget totaled $94.5 million. O'Day said this year it needs $97 million to offer the same quality of services and meet contractual obligations.

Helen Garten, chairwoman of the Board of Finance, said it would be prudent for the Board of Education to present a budget without an increase. The Board of Finance is just beginning the budget process and must work in both town and school needs as well as pension liabilities.

Charlie Haberstrom of the Board of Finance said the realities of the economic times are that there will have to be trade-offs.

"I think we have to look at everything when we get better revenue numbers and a better idea on the pensions, we'll see what kind of flexibility we have," he said. "It's not going to be easy for any of us and all of us are very sensitive to the needs of the schools and we'll take it at that but this isn't going to be an easy year."

Garten and fellow board member Brian Stern said this is not the year to raise taxes.

Newly elected Board of Education member Michael McGovern, however, said if tax increases are minimal, residents might be willing to fork over an extra $100 if they knew it would be to maintain a high-quality school system.

Three PTA council members spoke to the boards urging them not to cut back on school funding.

"Education in this town is the last place to look for savings," said Karen Ellman of the PTA. "I would give something up to continue the education in this town. ... Make the cuts somewhere else. Don't do it for education."

Both boards plan to continue joint discussions as the process moves forward.

"We know and we respect what you will do and see what you come up with  and this is to be continued," Garten said. "So long as we just state our opinions openly and honestly I think we can get through this season."

After the meeting, O'Day said the Board of Education knows the town is still experiencing financial difficulty and will plan accordingly.

"But first and foremost we have to be advocates for education," he said.