UPTON YOUR VOTE STILL COUNTS!!!!!!
Over the last few days I have been getting many questions and comments in regards to the override vote on this coming Monday in Upton. I wanted to take a minute to answer a few of the most common ones, to provide clarity, and help dispel some of the misinformation out there.
1. Why should we pass the override now that it has failed in Mendon?
Passing the override in Upton will allow the town to handle all school funding contingencies without impacting town services. Failure to pass the override will impact both school and town services. The selectmen have stated that if the override fails, any additional operational funding necessary will require cuts in town services.
Also if Upton passes the override, it will spur the discussion by the school committee as to how we jointly solve this issue
2. What will happen if Upton approves the override but does not use all the monies for the school?
The Selectmen and Fin Comm have stated that any monies not given to the schools will be returned to the taxpayers through an “underride”. Our taxes will only go up by the amount used by the schools.
3. What happens next if Upton passes the override on Monday?
If it passes strongly in Upton, it sends a clear message that the citizens of Upton want to move the schools forward. This gives the school committee needed support to continue to push for the increased funding for the schools. The school committee will then meet on Thursday to re-certify the budget based on this message. The re-certified budget gets sent back to Mendon to either come up with the money or send it to the people for another override request.
4. What does the override fund? I was told it was all about funding for the technology/iPad program. I have heard so many things and it is confusing.
No. The override is not for the technology/iPad program. The override funds two things:
The ability to provide the same services and programs that were provided this year – all services and programs (“level service”) ($950K of the override)
Targeted investments in high need areas such as expansions of the inclusion program (special ed), expansion of the language program for all students at all levels, and expanded support services for students (literacy and library). This will position us for future cost efficiencies, make our school competitive in the region, and our students competitive in the marketplace. ($490K of the override)
Also of key note is that to deliver the same services and programs the school provides today will require a $950K override for Upton
5. But why can’t the District just stretch the dollars it has further and not effect town services?
Over the last 4 years the average increase to the towns from the school has been less than 1.75% per year. This has been done specifically to limit the impact to the towns through driving greater efficiencies in operational costs. We are now at a point where we need this funding to continue to maintain the level of service and programs we provide, and continue the positive momentum back to where we were prior to 2010
6. What is the increase in total? I have heard 10 to 14 % increase.
The total increase is a 6.39% increase over the 2015 budget.
7. If the additional override funding is not provided to the schools what will be the impact?
If the schools do not get the additional funding requested, the schools will take steps backwards to the service/program levels of 2010/2011. This would include:
Reduction of programs available to students at all levels
Significant cuts to teacher and para professional staff
Cuts to administrative roles
Higher student fees for extra-curricular activities and sports
Longer bus rides due to reduction in buses
Complete detail information regarding the FY2016 MURSD Budget request may be found at this link: http://www.mursd.org/pages/MU-Regional/News/FY16_Budget_Information
Upton’s voice in the MURSD Budget is very important.
If you have any questions, please email me at pdezutter@mursd.org
Thank you
Phil De Zutter
MURSD School Committee Member (Upton)
UPTON DAILY 