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Sunapee, N.H., School District's Proposed 2006-2007 Budget Exceeds $8 Million

Posted on: Friday, 2 December 2005, 15:00 CST

By Rebecca Miller, Eagle Times, Claremont, N.H.

Dec. 2--SUNAPEE -- Due to increased fuel prices, health insurance hikes and an increase in teacher salaries, Sunapee school district's proposed fiscal year 2006-2007 budget totals more than $8 million, according to draft numbers presented to the school board on Wednesday.

That number is up more than 8 percent from the current year's budget of $7.6 million, although the draft is getting reviewed and could change because of some miscalculations found during the meeting Wednesday. The board is set to review it again next Wednesday along with the final draft budget numbers on the elementary school renovations.

SAU 43 Superintendent Bill Mealey recommended cuts in several areas, including the possibility of cutting one of two special education teachers in the elementary school.

He said the possibility was a good one, especially considering the low ratios in Sunapee schools and SAU-wide. The elementary is projected to have 12 special education students next year. The district would potentially save about $50,000 by eliminating one special education teaching position.

"I'm just putting it on the table," Mealey said. "The ratios in SAU 43 across the board are some of the best in the state." And as for Sunapee's ratio, Mealey said the current numbers were much lower than normal.

"The ratio of 12 to two people is unheard of," he told the board.

But board member Judith Ulinski wasn't impressed, particularly in light of proposed expansions at Central Elementary that would give special education more room.

"If we get three or four more people that move in, we won't have that catch-all," she said. "We're going to be tearing our hair out." She warned that the district would be looking to reinstate the position later because of increased needs.

"That's the nature of special education," replied Assistant Superintendent Jeff Spiegel.

Mealey also recommended trimming back student transportation numbers, which saw an 15 percent hike. Diesel fuel increased 212 percent from this year's budget of $8,500, although Mealey proposed trimming the line item down if the district could find a way to use off-road diesel.

Board chairman Shaun Carroll warned the audience that fuel costs affect many parts of the budget.

"Anything that's made out of plastic is fuel-oriented," Carroll said.

Another part of the budget that will see dramatic increases is medical insurance. Mealey said as of Jan.1, health insurance is set to go up 25 percent.

The third year of the teacher contracts calls for an increase of more than $114,000 to $1.45 million.

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Copyright (c) 2005, Eagle Times, Claremont, N.H.

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Source: Eagle Times, Claremont, New Hampshire

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