4/12/2006

 Andes presents $79.9 million school budget
By Bob Lassahn

During the April 5 meeting of the Worcester County Commissioners Dr. Jon M. Andes, superintendent of schools presented the 2007 proposed operating budget from the Worcester County Board of Education. This proposed budget will undergo scrutiny from the commissioners and the school board will have an opportunity to discuss the issues with the commissioners at a future budget meeting. At present it represents a “wish list” that could be pared down as the county budget is developed.

On the bottom line the school board is requesting a total budget of nearly $79.9 million for the coming fiscal year, representing an increase of $6.9 million over the 2006 budget request. After factoring out state and federal funding the county is being asked to contribute slightly more than $64 million, up by about $5.9 million from last year and representing a 10 percent increase.

Chief among the factors in the increase are instructional salaries and operation of the buildings. Instructional salaries rise to almost $34.2 million, about $3 million or 10 percent above last year’s figure. The total provides a four percent cost of living increase for all employees, step increases for eligible employees, a one percent increase to the starting salary for teachers, increases for coaches and sponsors of school clubs, a bus contractor increase and some additional staff, both teachers and support. The figure accounts for about 43 percent of the total budget.

The rising cost of utilities led the school board to increase their budget request substantially in this area to more accurately reflect the anticipated costs. In past years the budgeted amounts have fallen short of actual cost and an increase of slightly over $1 million is factored into the present budget, bringing the request to almost $6 million. Dr. Andes summarized several cost saving measures implemented to reduce expenditures for utilities during his presentation.

The package provides the commissioners with a breakdown of capital costs, staffing and student enrollment for each of the 14 Worcester County schools. Class sizes for the five elementary schools average 17 students, the intermediate/middle schools average 17.3 students and the high schools average 17.5 students. The Cedar Chapel Special School maintains a class size of 4.6 students and the Worcester Career and Tech Center averages 10 students per class. The small class sizes are a factor Dr. Andes cites as crucial to the outstanding quality of the school system.

Dr. Andes also touted the achievements of the Worcester County system, not the least being six Maryland Blue Ribbon Schools and three National Blue Ribbon Schools. He summarized that all accomplishments were due in large measure to the continuing support of the commissioners in funding the system to the greatest possible level.