FROM THE NEWSROOM: The town of Thompson is looking at a potential $550,000 – or 3.9% increase – in its education budget this upcoming fiscal year, which would equate to a roughly $500 tuition hike per student, presuming it passes at the May 19th referendum. Long-term conversations have indicated Thompson per pupil expenditures are significantly below the state average: during the 2012-13 school year about $1,000 less than the state average and $700 less than the districts demographic reference group. School officials believe this years increase is likely similar to increases in other districts around the state, and noted that in the last six or seven years there have been 19.5 teaching positions cut while enrollment at Tourtellotte Memorial High School declines. Superintendent of Schools Dr. Michael Jolin recently announced that 4 to 5 teachers will be retiring as this school year closes, and will be replaced with teachers at a lower “step” requiring lower salaries related to experience levels, which is helping keep costs lower for the budget. Jolin also said that healthcare costs have risen, which is the main factor of this years budget proposal increase – Jolin said a new healthcare provider is being sought due to skyrocketing prices from the current provider, but regardless healthcare costs are expected to go up between 8.3 and 12.4%. Tune in for the full report.
Posted on: Mon, 12 May 2014 12:16:14 +0000
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