BY MATT HERSH
Salem residents who attended the deliberative session of School District meeting on Thursday, Feb. 8, agreed to restore $125,000 to the district’s proposed operating budget to fund a new technology position and summer teacher training sessions.
After the budget committee finished their cuts last month, tallying more than $300,000 in reductions to the district’s operating budget, school officials said these two items were worth restoring.
School board Chairman Bernard Campbell said the $80,000 computer applications manager position and the $45,000 needed to run several Superintendent’s Academy training sessions were vital in keeping Salem’s schools up to par.
The applications programmer will allow the district to make better use of new software and add several computer-based resources to students and parents.
Superintendent Michael Delahanty said he envisions a cohesive school district Web site where students can register for classes, look up their grades, and communicate with administrators.
After Campbell announced the board’s desire to restore the two items, several residents who work in information technology spoke against restoring the position.
Stephen Campbell, who has been outspoken with his criticisms of the school district’s budget, said the position seemed to be unnecessary, especially in light of the town’s recent revaluation and high property tax bills.
“People took a big hit in December,” he said. “The more you add back tonight, the more likely people are going to vote no in March.”
Other residents questioned whether students could be asked to help with the Web site or if the position could be outsourced.
Delahanty and other board members defended the position, saying it would benefit more than hurt the district.
Campbell said school officials were wrapped up in making a decision that only looked positive and he urged others in the crowd to vote against it.
“Don’t vote to feel good,” he said. “Vote to feel smart.”
Still, other residents spoke in favor of the position, despite its potential tax impact.
“Personally, I can’t afford a tax increase,” said resident Melissa Scorcinelli. “But I’m willing to do it for the kids.”
Despite Campbell’s objections, the restoration passed 96-25. Adding back $125,000 brings the operating budget to $49,849,647.
School officials cited the rising cost of special education and retirement as the main reasons for their high financial figures.
Due to out-of-district placements for several special education students, Salem will have to pay $656,228 this year.
“The bottom line isn’t very good,” Bernard Campbell said. “But these are costs we had no control over.”
Coupled with the district’s other warrant articles which include a $394,604 capital improvement plan, the school tax rate is approximately an 8.3 percent increase over last year.