===PAGE 1=== FY25 Budget Update Lunenburg Public Schools Presented to the Finance Committee March 21, 2024 Dr. Kate Burnham, Superintendent of Schools ===PAGE 2=== Mission The Mission of the Lunenburg Public Schools is to provide all students with the skills, confidence, and passion for life-long learning so that they may find their own paths to successful careers, active citizenship, and rewarding lives. Vision The Lunenburg Public Schools is committed to becoming a leader in education by focusing on its values of attending to the personal well-being of its students, providing high-quality curricula and student-centered instruction for deeper learning at all levels, and promoting the development of attributes and skills necessary for continuous learning for all. ===PAGE 3=== July 2018 Superintendent’s Entry Plan (SY2018-2019) November 2019 Superintendent’s Report of Findings and development of the Strategy for Continuous Improvement with four objectives. (SC approved November 2019) ● To modernize teaching and learning by establishing effective teams of educational leaders to accomplish the essential work for transforming practice, and hiring and developing excellent educators who are continually learning and adapting practice to meet the needs of all students. (TT&L) ● To create a culture that values data use and continuous learning in a climate that is safe, caring, and inclusive and reflective of our core values. (CC&C) ● To improve operational efficiencies, including communication within the district and with the community, in order to decrease time spent on management and increase time spent on instructional leadership. (CO) ● To ensure all students are provided equal access to a quality education, providing them the appropriate support and challenge so that they can become skilled life-long learners. (EAAO) March 2020 COVID Pandemic School Shutdown FY20-24 COVID GRANTS: ESSER 1, 2, and 3 funded: teachers, counselors, tutors, stipends (Behavioral Health Coordinator), COVID supplies, and Chromebooks Strategy for Continuous Improvement ===PAGE 4=== To ensure teaching and learning are student-centered and inclusive by establishing effective teams of educational leaders to accomplish the essential work for transforming practice, and hiring and developing excellent educators who are continually learning and adapting practice to meet the needs of all students. (DSP Goals: 1, 2, 3, 5, {4,7}) To create a culture that values data use and fosters continuous learning in a climate that is safe, caring, inclusive and reflective of our core values. (DSP Goals 1, 6) To improve operational efficiencies, including communication, in order to increase the organization’s capacity to execute the district’s mission and vision. (DSP Goal 8) To ensure all students are provided equal access to a high-quality education, that is collaborative, interactive, and relevant with an appropriate level of support and challenge so that they can become well-rounded, resilient, confident, and capable young adults adequately prepared for future challenges. (DSP Goals 1, 6) Transforming Teaching & Learning Cultivating Climate & Culture Communication & Operations Equity, Access, Opportunity & Achievement for All Students Strategy for Continuous Improvement FY19 ===PAGE 5=== To create a culture that values data use and fosters continuous learning in a climate that is safe, caring, inclusive and reflective of our core values. Cultivating Climate & Culture Strategy for Continuous Improvement FY24 ===PAGE 6=== In FY19 Academics We had: ● no curriculum leadership beyond high school department heads ● no district adopted standards-aligned, rigorous on grade level curriculum in any content area K-8 ● no district benchmark assessments in literacy or math ● no data to determine need for intervention ● no intervention model for academics ● no referral process for intervention ● no/limited common planning time Behavioral Health We had: ● no districtwide Tier 1 SEL curriculum ● one (1) social worker/adjustment counselor ● six (6) guidance counselors ● no intervention model for behavioral health ● no referral model for intervention Strategy for Continuous Improvement ===PAGE 7=== In FY24 Academics We have: ● curriculum leadership including a Dir of Teaching & Learning, Title I Coordinator, Literacy, Math, and Co-Teaching Coaches, and high school department heads ● district adopted standards-aligned, rigorous on grade level curriculum in ELA/Literacy K-8, math K-5 and piloting math curriculum 6-8 for adoption. ● district benchmark assessments in literacy and math ● data to determine need for intervention ● intervention model for academics ● referral process for intervention ● increased common planning time Behavioral Health We have: ● districtwide Tier 1 SEL curriculum ● five social workers/adjustment counselors ● six guidance counselors ○ two behavioral health staff at PS and THES; three at LMS; four at LHS ● intervention model for behavioral health ● referral model for intervention Strategy for Continuous Improvement ===PAGE 8=== Data for Context Enrollment & Class Size ===PAGE 9=== Student Enrollment ===PAGE 10=== 2023-2024 Average Class Sizes School Average Class Size of Students Lunenburg Primary School (Grades K-2) 21 (Grade K), 24 (Grade 1) 21 (Grade 2) 11-13 (PK, half day classes) Turkey Hill Elementary School (Grades 3-5) 23 (Grade 3) 22 (Grade 4) 25 (Grade 5) Lunenburg Middle School (Grades 6-8) 22 (Grade 6) 20 (Grade 7) 22 (Grade 8) Lunenburg High School (Grades 9-12) Range 3-25, Average 16 (English) Range 9-23, Average 18 (History) Range 4-26, Average 16 (Math) Range 7-23, Average 17 (Science) Range 7-26, Average 17 (World Language LHS) Range 5-27, Average 20 (Unified Arts) ===PAGE 11=== 2023-2024 Homeschool Data School Year 2023-2024 Status # of Students Students returned to the district 4 Students have moved to another town/city or out of state or reported attending other schools in state 19 Students-their homeschool plans are approved by our district 37 Students (families) the district is still working with for plan/status 14 2023-24 numbers as of 1/16/24 ===PAGE 12=== Data for Context Accountability Rating & National Ranking ===PAGE 13=== Accountability 2023 ===PAGE 14=== US News & World Report Lunenburg High School rankings according to US News & World Report Nationally Best High Schools https://www.bostonglobe.com/2023/08/30/metro/top-ranked-high-schools-in-massachusetts/?p1=HP_Feed_ContentQuery #1,836 in National Rankings #67 in Massachusetts High Schools #12 in Worcester, MA Metro Area High Schools SCORECARD 89.62 Took at Least One AP® Exam 48% Passed at Least One AP® Exam 42% Mathematics Proficiency 78% Reading Proficiency 84% Science Proficiency 98% Graduation Rate 97% ===PAGE 15=== Data for Context State Testing- Academic Achievement & Growth ===PAGE 16=== 16 SPRING 2023 MCAS DATA ● Below or at state average in meeting and exceeding in 6 grade level content areas (K-6) ● Above state average in meeting and exceeding in 11 grade level content areas (6-12) ● Still only 35-65% of total students at each grade level meeting expectations (35-65% are not) ===PAGE 17=== Data for Context National & District Testing- Academic Achievement & Growth ===PAGE 18=== Local Assessment Data • District is currently utilizing a variety of assessments, including iReady (reading & math), DIBELS, HMH module assessment data, the Forefront Universal Screener for Number Sense, and ESGI kindergarten assessments • iReady reading and math winter benchmarks are administered each year in September, January and late May/June • Assessment reports are provided to the School Committee following each test administration; reports in October, February, June ===PAGE 19=== 19 ● All AP classes currently offered at LHS will still be offered to students, though class sizes may increase. LHS AP Data Spring 2023 iReady Data ● Working towards 80% of students on or above grade level in reading and math with large gains in foundational skills ===PAGE 20=== Data for Context Special Services Data ===PAGE 21=== Special Education Data (2023-24) Number of Students on IEPs & Evaluated for Special Education Services 2023 / 2024 Completed August 29-present Students on IEPs Pending 3 yr. re-evals. Evaluations Lunenburg Primary School 79 4 33 Turkey Hill Elementary School 61 10 23 Lunenburg Middle School 62 2 14 Lunenburg High School 46 9 12 ACE Program 7 4 0 TOTAL 255 29* 81* *the district will evaluate at least 110 students this year to determine eligibility for special education services ===PAGE 22=== Section 504 Data 2023-24 Number of Students on Section 504 Plans (10/1/2023) Location # of Students Lunenburg Primary School 8 Turkey Hill Elementary School 33 Lunenburg Middle School 51 Lunenburg High School 69 ACE Program 0 (was 143 in 2022) TOTAL 161 ===PAGE 23=== Data for Context Behavioral Health Data ===PAGE 24=== Behavioral Health Update & Response -Referrals Behavioral Health Support Teams (BHST) are building-based teams established in October 2020; Members of this team review the cases of those students referred for possible intervention (Tier 2 or 3). Behavioral Health Curriculum: Trails to Wellness was piloted in 2021-2022 and adopted/implemented in 2022-23. • Tier 1 SEL curriculum grades K-8 through SEL class; 9-12 through advisory • Tier 2 CBT groups grades K-12 by social work/adjustment staff. BHST Referrals FY24 (as of 1/2/24) FY23 FY22 PS 21 38 20 THES 37 68 57 LMS 15 72 37 LHS 23 31 41 Totals 96 209 155 ===PAGE 25=== Behavioral Health Update & Response - Counselors Caseloads 2023/24 School Role Tier 1 Tier 2 Tier 3 Tier 2 / 3 (Receiving both Tier 2 & 3 support) Primary School Adjustment Counselor 398 22 16 11 THES Social Worker 6 11 4 Guidance Counselor 370 61 Social Worker & Guidance Counselor (Together) 6 6 2 LMS School Adjustment Counselor 11 25 Guidance Counselors 363 23 7 LHS Guidance Counselors 448 2 171* Social Worker 17 17 Districtwide 1579 148 (9%) 253 (16%) 17 (1%) * Individual College and Career Readiness, Individual Counseling as Needed ===PAGE 26=== Behavioral Health Update & Response - BCBAs Board Certified Behavioral Analysts (BCBA) caseloads FY24 FY23 FY22 FY21 PS 44 25 23 26 THES 25 21 21 23 LMS 23 20 13 14 LHS 24 24 23 21 OOD 3 5 6 10 ===PAGE 27=== Behavioral Health Update & Response - Mental Health Crisis/Hospitalizations Section 12 totals 2023-24 LMS 0 ; LHS 0 2022-23 LMS 1; LHS 0 Hospitalizations requiring tutoring 2023 - 2024 4 (up to 1/11/24) 2022 - 2023 16 (Oct-Jan 11, 2023 = 4 / Jan.12 - May 30, 2023 = 12) 2021 - 2022 4 2020 - 2021 4 2019 - 2020 5 2018 - 2019 6 ===PAGE 28=== Data for Context Athletics Participation ===PAGE 29=== Athletics Programs - % Participation HS Athletics Participation by Season Fall Winter Spring SY 18-19 41 31 41 SY 19-20 38 30 COVID SY 20-21 COVID 18 46 SY 21-22 52 30 50 SY 22-23 47 45 51 SY 23-24 40 45 52 ===PAGE 30=== Data for Context Grants ===PAGE 31=== ESSER Grants FY21-24 ESSER 1 $198,073 ESSER 2 $588,834 ESSER 3 $1,351,034 TOTAL $2,137,941 ESSER Grants managed by the Business Manager ===PAGE 32=== Lunenburg Public Schools 2023-2024 Grants FY24 FEDERAL GRANTS (entitlement) * Special Education, 240 Grant $ 418,237 * Special Education, Early Childhood, 262 Grant $ 13,245 ** Title I, 305 Grant $ 210,309 ** Title II, 140 Grant $ 35,972 ** Title IV, 309 Grant $ 14,045 * Special Education, Targeted IEP , 274 Grant $ 14,430 FY24 STATE GRANTS (competitive) ** Accelerating Literacy, 719 Grant (yr 3 of 3) $ 134,130 ** SOA Evidence-Based Practice, 117 (yr 2 of 3) $ 136,583 ** Deeper Learning, 105 Grant $ 21,520 ** After School & Out of School Time, 528 Grant $ 25,000 ** Arts & Cultural Vitality, 718 Grant $ 5,200 *** Family & Community Grant $ 45,700 *** Child Home Program $ 27,037 Comprehensive School Health Services Grant $ 35,000 * Director of Special Services ** Director of Teaching & Learning *** Director of Community School Programs ===PAGE 33=== Lunenburg Public Schools Grants History FY23 FEDERAL GRANTS (entitlement) * Special Education, 240 Grant $ 404,772 * Special Education, Early Childhood, 262 Grant $ 13,133 ** Title I, 305 Grant $ 191,672 ** Title II, 140 Grant $ 31,556 ** Title IV, 309 Grant $ 12,904 * Special Education, Targeted IEP , 274 Grant $ 14,430 FY23 STATE GRANTS (competitive) ** Accelerating Literacy, 719 Grant (yr 2 of 3) $ 128,000 ** Accelerating Literacy with HQIM (6-8 ELA) $ 27,500 ** SOA Evidence-Based Practice, 117 Grant (yr1 of 3) $ 40,000 ** After School & Out of School Time, 528 Grant $ 25,000 *** Family & Community Grant $ 45,700 *** Child Home Program $ 27,037 **** School Health Grant $ 100,000 **** School Health Grant $ 30,000 * Director of Special Services ** Director of Teaching & Learning *** Director of Community School Programs **** Nursing Coordinator ===PAGE 34=== Lunenburg Public Schools Grants History FY22 FEDERAL GRANTS (entitlement) * Special Education, 240 Grant $ 399,152 * Special Education, Early Childhood, 262 Grant $ 12,500 ** Title I, 305 Grant $ 180,342 ** Title II, 140 Grant $ 32,708 ** Title IV, 309 Grant $ 12,442 * Special Education, Targeted IEP , 274 Grant $ 12,634 * Special Education, AARP IDEA $ 88,330 * Special Education, AARP $ 8,229 FY22 STATE GRANTS (competitive) ** Accelerating Literacy, 719 Grant (yr 1 of 3) $ 203,286 ** Accelerating Math $ 52,948 ** After School & Out of School Time, summer $ 24,000 *** Family & Community Grant $ 45,700 *** Child Home Program $ 27,037 **** School Health Grant $ 100,000 **** School Health Grant $ 14,000 * Director of Special Services ** Director of Teaching & Learning *** Director of Community School Programs **** Nursing Coordinator ===PAGE 35=== Lunenburg Public Schools Grants History FY21 FEDERAL GRANTS (entitlement) * Special Education, 240 Grant $ 386,101 * Special Education, Early Childhood, 262 Grant $ 12,368 ** Title I, 305 Grant $ 239,678 ** Title II, 140 Grant $ 33,465 ** Title IV, 309 Grant $ 18,466 * Special Education, Targeted IEP , 274 Grant $ 12,634 * Special Education, AARP IDEA $ 88,330 * Special Education, AARP $ 8,229 * Special Education Program Improvement $ 12,634 * Early Childhood Special Education Program Improvement $ 2,327 FY21 STATE GRANTS (competitive) ** Accelerating Math $ 33,263 *** Family & Community Grant $ 45,700 **** School Health Grant $ 10,500 * Director of Special Services ** Director of Teaching & Learning *** Director of Community School Programs **** Nursing Coordinator ***** Business Manager FY21 COVID GRANTS ***** COVID Prevention $ 67,075 ***** Remote Learning $ 55,735 ***** School Reopening $ 377,550 ===PAGE 36=== Lunenburg Public Schools Grants History FY20 FEDERAL GRANTS (entitlement) * Special Education, 240 Grant $ 367,980 * Special Education, Early Childhood, 262 Grant $ 12,281 * Title I, 305 Grant $ 240,799 * Title II, 140 Grant $ 33,740 * Title IV, 309 Grant $ 18,466 * Special Education, Targeted IEP , 274 Grant $ 12,818 * Special Education, AARP IDEA $ 88,330 * Special Education, AARP $ 8,229 * Special Education Program Improvement $ 12,634 * Early Childhood Special Education Program Improvement $ 2,327 FY20 STATE GRANTS (competitive) * Early Literacy Learning $ 36,883 *** Family & Community Grant $ 45,700 * Director of Special Services ** Director of Teaching & Learning *** Director of Community School Programs **** Nursing Coordinator ***** Business Manager ===PAGE 37=== Lunenburg Public Schools Grants HistoryFY20-24 Summary FEDERAL GRANTS FY24 $ 706,238 FY23 $ 668,467 FY22 $ 746,337 FY21 $ 815,232 FY20 $ 797,604 TOTAL $ 3,733,878 STATE GRANTS FY24 $ 430,170 FY23 $ 423,237 FY22 $ 466,971 FY21 $ 89,463 FY20 $ 82,583 TOTAL $ 1,492,424 COVID GRANTS ESSER 1, 2, 3 $ 2,137,941 FY21 $ 500,360 TOTAL $ 2,638,301 $7,864,603 ===PAGE 38=== FY25 Budget Development ===PAGE 39=== FY25 Budget Priorities Develop a budget that: ● supports School Committee prioritized programs and provides the students of Lunenburg with the best possible educational opportunities with attention to: ○ differentiated instruction, ○ equity, ○ family engagement; and ● aligns with the priorities of the Strategy for Continuous Improvement ===PAGE 40=== FY25 School Department Budget ProcessAugust District Leadership Team participated in data summits; reviewed the Strategy for Continuous Improvement; revised Strategy Priority Action Plans; aligned School Improvement Plan goals and administrator/teacher evaluation goals to the Strategy Priority Action Plans. October Central Office Leadership met multiple times weekly to assess the impact of a projected 10% increase to health insurance on the FY25 budget.November/December/January Central Office Leadership began meeting with building administration to discuss the impact of a projected 10% increase to health insurance, coupled with contractual increases and loss of ESSER funds on the FY25 budget and had discussions regarding potential personnel and non-personnel cuts in order to meet the annual 2.5% target budget increase. Impact of $1.5million in possible cuts was made public at the November 15, 2023 School Committee meeting; scope of contemplated cuts was made public in December; possible/proposed cuts shared January 17, 2024. 2.5% Town Manager’s Target Budget presented January 24, 2024. February The Finance Committee requested a Level Service Budget and a Needs-Based Budget. The Town Manager requested a 2.5% Target Budget and ESSER Cuts Only Budget. The Town Manager presented her FY25 Preliminary Budget which included a 2.94% increase for the School Dept. All versions of these budgets were provided to the requestors, presented to the School Committee, and posted on our district website. The Needs-Based Budget was also the Superintendent’s Recommended Budget (February 28, 2024) March Met with Town Manager, members of the Select Board and Finance Committee seeking additional funding. Attended Finance Committee meetings and Select Board meetings. On March 19, the Select Board voted to allocate $221,640 to the School Dept. Town Manager allocated certified new growth ($236,025) and an additional $50,000 from another line in her preliminary budget. ===PAGE 41=== Factors underlying the need for reductions for FY25 (as presented Jan 24, 2024) Health Insurance Increase $500K Contractual Increases $400K Loss of COVID grant funding $600K ● Out-of-District placement contract increases* ● Bus transportation contract increases* ● Special Ed van transportation contract increases ● Technology increases ● Utility increases* ● Facility repairs Funding for: ● 1 administrator (coach) ● 3 teachers ● 4 counselors ● 4 tutors ● counting all staff currently subscribing to health insurance at a 10% increase* ● at 6.6% - approximately $105K in savings at 5.7% $381K increase to the budget *electricity costs should be stable or reduced; health insurance should not exceed 6.6% (5.7%); plan to reduce the number of yellow buses from 11 to 10 (not possible); student new to the district requiring OOD not in this year’s budget ($75K); 14% inc in OOD tuition not fully captured in FY24 budget ($138K); increase for FY25 OOD tuition ($47K) ===PAGE 42=== ESSER Funded Positions ===PAGE 43=== ESSER Positions Instructional Coach (district) Intervention Teacher (LHS) Classroom Teacher (LMS) Classroom Teacher (LHS-math) Guidance Counselor (LMS) Guidance Counselor (LHS) Social Worker (THES) Social Worker (LMS) MTSS Tutor (PS part-time) MTSS Tutor (PS part-time) MTSS Tutor (THES part-time) MTSS Tutor (THES part-time) Positions funded through ESSER (FY24) Positions CUT in the FY25 budget due to loss of ESSER Instructional Coach (district) Intervention Teacher (LHS) Classroom Teacher (LMS-grade 8) Classroom Teacher (LHS-history) Guidance Counselor (LMS) Guidance Counselor (LMS/LHS) Classroom Teacher (THES-grade 5) Wilson Reading Teacher (THES) Social Worker (PS-second SW position) PE Teacher (PS/THES) ===PAGE 44=== Town Manager’s Revised FY25 Budget Lunenburg Public Schools ===PAGE 45=== Town Manager’s Budget2.94% to 4.19% FY24 Total Schools Dept Budget $22,878,443 +2.94% increase + $672,626 Town Manager’s 2.94% Total $23,551,069 add New Growth + $236,025 add from pavement management + $50,000 Town Manager’s 4.19% Total $23,837,094 ===PAGE 46=== ARPA Funding ===PAGE 47=== ARPA Funding Approved by vote of the Select Board on March 19, 2024: Reallocate $101,640 previously allocated for sidewalks to the school department (Chapter 90 funds can be used for the sidewalk project) Allocate an additional $120,000 to the school department ===PAGE 48=== ARPA FundingThe following items will be removed from the FY25 budget and funded through ARPA Network Security Upgrades $82,119 911 Compliance Phone System Upgrades $63,626 Purchase of Chromebooks (grades 6 and 9) $75,895 Total ARPA/Total removed from FY24 Needs-based Budget $221,640 ===PAGE 49=== FY24 Budget FY25 Budget Increase Personnel $16,226,166 $16,547,727 1.58% Non-Personnel $6,652,278 $7,289,367 9.58% TOTAL $22,878,443 $23,837,094 4.19% FY25 School Department Budget Summary 69.4% of the total budget is in personnel ===PAGE 50=== Both the Town Manager’s Budget (4.19%) and Needs-Based Budget (5.44%) include: • Chapter 70 funding (Governor’s budget)/loss of Smart Growth/40S • CBA increases: step increases, longevity & degree advancements • Health insurance: 5.7% increase (enrollment as of March 15, 2024 reflected in the 4.19% budget) • General and Special Education transportation increase • Utility cost increases FY25 School Department Budget Summary ===PAGE 51=== Town Manager’s 4.19% Budget does NOT include: • 911 Compliance phone system upgrades • Network security upgrades • Full cost of purchase of new Chromebooks for grades 6 and 9 (annual expense) These costs will be funded through ARPA funds ($221,640) These costs are still included in the Needs-Based Budget (5.44% ) FY25 School Department Budget Summary ===PAGE 52=== FY25 Non-Personnel Expenses Needs-based Budget (5.44%): Level funded or reduced almost all expense lines, with the exception of the service contract cost increases, utilities, health insurance. Town Manager’s Budget (4.19%): Expense lines further reduced, ARPA funded projects removed from budget lines. ===PAGE 53=== Personnel Cuts At-A-Glance by Assignment (4.19% & 5.44%) LHS LMS LMHS Athletics THES Primary District Classroom Teacher History (-1.0) Classroom Teacher (-1.0) Secretary (-0.4) Classroom Teacher (-1.0) Classroom Teacher (-1.0) Instructional Coach (-1.0) Classroom Teacher Math or PE (TBD) (-1.0) Guidance (-1.5) Wilson Reading Teacher (-1.0) Social Worker (-1.0) Maintenance (-1.0) Classroom Teacher Science (-1.0) PE Teacher (-0.5) PE Teacher (-0.5) Custodian (-0.5) Student Custodians (5 part-time summer) Intervention Teacher (-1.0) Secretary (-0.25) Secretary (-0.25) Title I Coordinator reduction Guidance (-0.5) Special Education Teacher (-1.0) will need to be restored in FY27 Paraprofessional (-1.0) Paraprofessional (-2.0) Music Teacher reduction (-0.4) Paraprofessional (-1.0) 7.9 FTEs 2.5 FTEs 0.4 FTEs 3.75 FTEs 3.75 FTEs 2.5FTEs Differences in cuts compared to the original Needs-Based Budget highlighted in yellow ===PAGE 54=== Impacts ===PAGE 55=== Expense Lines We will be operating with little capacity to adjust to cover unanticipated costs in FY25. This level of funding in expense lines is not sustainable. Lines must be increased next year. LHS ===PAGE 56=== History Teacher (1.0FTE) Current staffing 5.0FTEs Impacts of 1.0FTE cut: ● Class sizes would increase (average 25+) ● Elective offerings would be reduced Additional relevant information: ● An additional teacher position was added this school year. ● This cut means returning to staffing levels of 2022-2023. ● Cut will be absorbed by a retirement. LHS ===PAGE 57=== Math Teacher (1.0FTE) Current Staffing 6.0FTE Impacts of 1.0FTE cut: ● Mathematics class size will increase (average 20 up from 16); Algebra 2, Honors Geometry, and Statistics will increase to at least 25. ● Elective offerings would be reduced; elimination of Math Skills Building. Additional relevant information: ● An additional teacher position was added in the 2021-22 school year. ● This cut means returning to staffing levels of 2020-21. ● Cut will be absorbed by a retirement. LHS ===PAGE 58=== Physical Education Teacher (1.0FTE) Current staffing 2.0FTE Impacts of a 1.0FTE cut: ● Increased class size for other electives. ● Increased class size for physical education classes. ● 9th grade PE would be combined with 10th grade. ● Elective offerings would be reduced. LHS ===PAGE 59=== Science Teacher (1.0FTE) Current staffing 6.0FTE Impact of 1.0FTE cut: ● Class sizes may increase ● Elective offerings would be reduced Additional relevant information: ● Science teachers are licensed in specific sciences (Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Earth Science) ● Biology MCAS is one MCAS test high school students can take to meet their graduation requirement. LHS ===PAGE 60=== Intervention Teacher (1.0FTE) Current staffing 1.0FTE Impact of 1.0FTE cut: ● TLC and MTSS programs would be merged (from 2 teachers to 1 teacher and 1 paraprofessional) ● Allows for the consolidation of resources, creating a more efficient/effective diverse learning environment; optimizing the allocation of limited resources ● Currently the LHS TLC has 12 students and the MTSS program has 16 students (across 7 class periods) Additional relevant information: ● Program/position was added in the 2022-23 school year to address COVID related impact on academic achievement. ● This cut means returning to pre-pandemic staffing levels. LHS ===PAGE 61=== LMHS Guidance Counselors (reduce by 2.0FTE) Current staffing 5.0FTE Impacts of a 2.0FTE cut: ● Increased caseloads and responsibilities for counselors ○ Reevaluate the delivery of the Trails to Wellness curriculum (currently delivered by guidance in advisory block). ○ Reevaluate and prioritize responsibilities: time may be better spent working individually or in small groups with students. ● There have been several LHS guidance changes in the last three years; this would be another reshuffle of student guidance counselors for students/families to navigate. ● Counselors work closely with students everyday and are proactive in managing minor conflicts and communicating effectively with parents about them; ability to intervene with minor relationship or social conflicts will be diminished. ● There will be less guidance support for students having a difficult time transitioning to grade 6 or preparing to transition to grade 9. ● Social worker will have to deliver all counseling required in IEPs and evaluate mental health crises. Additional Relevant Information ○ Guidance is responsible for: ■ supporting students and families through the college application process and the timelines ■ scheduling AP testing, PSAT's, ASVAB and MCAS testing, master scheduling and student schedule management ■ plays an integral role in SST and BHST (academic and behavioral health intervention referrals) ■ this cut returns behavioral health staffing to pre-pandemic levels LMHS ===PAGE 62=== Athletic Department Secretary (0.4FTE) Current staffing 0.4FTE Impacts of a 0.4FTE cut: ● Responsibilities will be absorbed by the Athletic Director, LMHS Main Office Secretaries and Central Office staff LMHS ===PAGE 63=== Classroom Teacher (1.0FTE) Current staffing 17.0FTE Impacts of a 1.0FTE cut: ● Grade 6-8 class sizes will be slightly larger (grade 6 an average of 25 per class, grade 7 an average of 22 per class, and grade 8 an average of 25 per class for next year). ● Loss of this position may negatively impact grade 6 class sizes if we see the typical additional ten students registering for grade 6 this summer. ● District typically has 5 or 6 teachers per grade level, depending on the size of the grade level. ● 6th grade would have 6 teachers, and 7th and 8th grade would have 5 next year. LMS ===PAGE 64=== Classroom Teacher (1.0FTE) Current staffing 16.0FTE Impacts of a 1.0FTE cut: • The current 5th grade has 6 classes. This “bubble” class will be moving to LMS next year. • Reducing one classroom teacher will not impact class sizes at THES (set to be an average of 25 for grade 3, 23 for grade 4, and 22 for grade 5 next year). • There will be five (5) classes at each grade level (3-5). THES ===PAGE 65=== Wilson Reading Teacher (1.0FTE) Current staffing 1.0FTE Impacts of a 1.0FTE cut: ○ The HMH curriculum has appropriate Tier 2 and Tier 3 interventions that the district feels can be used with fidelity in providing explicit instruction on the five areas of reading: phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, comprehension, and vocabulary. ○ The current special education teachers will be able to provide this instruction with the support of the MTSS coach and reading specialist. ○ The Special Services Office would work closely with the school administration, staff, and families to come to an agreed upon plan moving forward with the affected students. THES ===PAGE 66=== Physical Education (0.5FTE reduction) Current staffing 1.0FTE Impacts of a 0.5FTE cut: ● One (1) physical education teacher will be split between THES and Lunenburg Primary School. ○ We are currently using this model for all other unified arts positions at THES and the Primary. ○ In FY24 there is 1.0 FTE PE teacher at THES and 1.0 FTE PE teacher at Lunenburg Primary. Each school would see a reduction of 0.5 FTEs. THES ===PAGE 67=== Secretary (0.25FTE) Current staffing 1.25FTE Impacts of a 0.25FTE cut: ● Responsibilities will be absorbed by the full-time secretary ○ volunteer support will be sought through the senior tax work-off program or parents at the school ● Timelines for completion of secretary assignments will have to be extended. THES ===PAGE 68=== Social Worker/Adjustment Counselor (1.0FTE) Current staffing 2.0FTE Impacts of a 1.0FTE cut: ● The SEL block will be eliminated from the unified arts rotation which means elimination of Tier 1 services (Trails to Wellness) for all students. ● The social worker would absorb all the IEP and 504 students needing counseling, in addition to crisis management. ● The number of students receiving Tier 2 supports would be limited at best. ● Response time to outside agencies and the support we provide for students and families would increase (currently a 24-hour turn around). ● It will leave us short staffed for duty assignments, especially when we have multiple absences and are sharing more staff between building ● The administration will have to increase the number of check-ins, provide breaks, and implement Tier 1 interventions (as the AP and Principal are currently doing). Primary School ===PAGE 69=== Classroom Teacher (1.0FTE) Current staffing 16.0FTE Impacts of a 1.0FTE cut: • The current 2nd grade has 6 classes. This was purposeful to lower class size for this group that struggled, socially and academically ○ They entered Kindergarten in 2021-2022 - little or no preschool experience for these students prior to K due to COVID shut down and restrictions. • Reducing one classroom teacher will not impact class sizes at the Primary School (grade 1 will average 21 per class, and grade 2 will average 24 per class). • There will be five (5) classes at each grade level (K-2). Primary School ===PAGE 70=== Physical Education Teacher (0.5FTE reduction) Current staffing 1.0FTE Impacts of a 0.5FTE cut: ● One (1) physical education teacher will be split between THES and Lunenburg Primary School. ○ We are currently using this model for all other unified arts positions at THES and the Primary. ○ There is currently 1.0 FTE PE teacher at THES and 1.0 FTE PE teacher at Lunenburg Primary. Each school would see a reduction of 0.5 FTEs. Primary School ===PAGE 71=== Secretary (0.25FTE) Current staffing 1.25FTE Impacts of a 0.25FTE cut: ● Responsibilities will be absorbed by the secretary ○ volunteer support will be sought through the senior tax work-off program or parents at the school ● Timelines for completion of secretary assignments will have to be extended. Primary School ===PAGE 72=== Instructional Coach (1.0FTE) Current staffing 3.0FTE Impacts of a 1.0FTE cut: Currently we have: ● math specialist/coach (ESSER funded) ● literacy specialist/coach/Title I Coordinator (Title I funded) ● co-teaching coach (SOA Evidence-based Practice grant funded) ● Literacy specialist/coach and math specialist coach will have to assume the responsibility for co-teaching coaching in addition to their existing responsibilities. ● The specialists/coaches will oversee the MTSS tutors (previously overseen by the intervention teachers at THES and PS) ● The two remaining coaches will be grant funded in FY25. ● Reduce the Title I Coordinator/Literacy Specialist (Instructional Coach) to Literacy Specialist/Coach only (savings on salary approximately 10-15K) ● Director of Teaching & Learning will absorb the responsibilities for all Title Grants District ===PAGE 73=== Maintenance (1.0FTE) Current staffing 4.0FTE Impacts of a 1.0FTE cut: ● workload will be absorbed by the remaining maintenance staff ● more lead time will be required to line athletic fields for users ● response time to calls for “issues” will be increased; non-emergency matters may wait some time before being addressed ● maintaining grounds to the current level of manicure may not be feasible ● may be more delayed school opening or cancellations due to snow and ice because it will take longer to clear snow and ice to allow for a safe opening ● may incur additional cost if contractors are needed to assist with upkeep of grounds year round District ===PAGE 74=== Paraprofessional Cuts Current staffing 71.0FTE Impacts of a 4.0FTE cut: ● Paraprofessionals are hired to provide inclusion support in the general education classrooms for students with IEPs requiring support; cuts will influence how the building principal creates paraprofessionals schedules/assignments. ● Paraprofessionals often act as the substitute when there are teacher absences; fewer paraprofessionals may impact teacher absence coverage. LHS/Primary ===PAGE 75=== Part-time Summer Student Custodian Cuts ● The work typically assigned to student custodians will be absorbed by custodial staff. All Buildings ===PAGE 76=== FY25 Administrator Reductions (not reflected in the cut list) Renegotiated Assistant Principals’ contracts (in 4.19% and 5.44% Budgets) ● reduced from 12 month work year to school-year +20 days ● reduced salary ● reduced reimbursement benefits Total $4,000 Total savings across all schools= $24,588 ===PAGE 77=== Curriculum & Intervention Staffing Model Current model Director of Teaching & Learning Title I Coordinator/Literacy Specialist-Coach Math Specialist Coach Co-Teaching Coach K-2 : Intervention Teacher & two tutors under their direction 3-5 : Intervention Teacher & two tutors under their direction Model with Cuts Director of Teaching & Learning Literacy & Co-teaching Coach Math & Co-teaching Coach K-2: Intervention Teacher & one tutor under their direction 3-5 : Intervention Teacher & one tutors under their direction ===PAGE 78=== Behavioral Health Staffing Model Current model Director of Special Services Behavioral Health Coordinator (stipended) LHS Social Worker Guidance Counselor (3) LMS Social Worker Guidance Counselor (2) THES Social Worker Guidance Counselor PS Social Worker (2) Model with Cuts Director of Special Services LHS Social Worker Guidance Counselor (2.5) LMS Social Worker Guidance Counselor (0.5) THES Social Worker Guidance Counselor PS Social Worker ===PAGE 79=== FY25 School Department Budget Summary FY24 School Department Budget $ 22,878,443 FY25 Town Manager’s Revised Budget budget increase of 4.19% $958,651 FY25 Total $23,837,094 ===PAGE 80=== Factors requiring the department to estimate line items: ● Chapter 70 Funding: State FY25 Budget has not been set. ● Circuit Breaker: Amount will not be released until end of FY24; expecting a value to cover 75% of costs as well as a planned increase for Out of District (OOD) transportation. ● Federal & State Grants: Allocations are typically not announced for entitlement grants until late July/early August; the district is anticipating level funding. FY25 School Department Budget Summary ===PAGE 81=== Additional factors impacting the budget: There is a salary reserve budgeted for these pending negotiations with the following groups: Bargaining Unit Contracts: Lunenburg Education Association Lunenburg Paraprofessional Union Non-bargaining Unit Contracts: Multiple employee contracts are up for contract renewal starting on July 1, 2023 Unaffiliated salary schedule adjustment FY25 School Department Budget Summary ===PAGE 82=== FY25 School Department Budget Timeline ▪ Meeting with Town Manager (January) ▪ Presentations for School Staff (January & February) ▪ Budget Q & A Sessions at School Committee meetings (Feb & Mar) ▪ Budget Hearing/School Committee Approval (March 20, 2024) ▪ Lunenburg Finance Committee Presentation (March 14 & 21, 2024) ▪ Final Approval at Annual Town Meeting (May 4, 2024) ===PAGE 83=== Questions?