Published in the July 26, 2018 edition.
By JILLIAN STRING
NORTH READING — Director of Finance and Operations Michael Connelly presented the final budget report for Fiscal Year 2018 to School Committee members at the July 19 meeting.
“I’m happy to report that I do believe we had a smooth and successful closeout of fiscal year 2018,” Connelly said.
Connelly met with representatives from Chartwells Schools Dining Services and Food Services Director Anna McGovern to reconcile final receipts for the food service program.
“This is the first break even, self-supportive year, ending the year in the black by the amount of $2,934 in at least a decade, if not more,” Connelly stated.
In his report, Connelly noted that average daily meal participation had increased by 8.2% across the district, and the 7.5% increase in adult participation was an indication that efforts, such as the addition of the salad bar at the high school, have been successful.
“We’ve been working toward (the break even goal) with a high level of focus over the last five years, and we came very close last year. I’m happy to report that we got over that hump this year through a lot of effort by many people, certainly including the Food Services Director Anna McGovern and the staff (who) continue to do an exceptional job…I’m just very pleased to see the account finish the way it did,” Connelly commented.
Connelly remains optimistic that the program will continue to improve, and reported that a breakfast offering at the elementary level is being explored.
Connelly also noted that meal prices will remain the same for the 2018–19 school year.
Other closeout highlights
The district was able to pre-pay special education tuitions in order to provide additional flexibility for the fiscal year 2019 budget, Connelly reported to the board.
“As projected, we did have some available surplus funds in various salary accounts, insurance, and some utility accounts that allowed us to pre-pay special education tuitions. We were able to meet, and even exceed, the amount forecasted during the budget process of $150,000 in this area,” Connelly said.
Regular transportation, as well as athletic transportation costs were paid from the general fund, and payroll expenses came close to the budgeted line items.
Overall, Connelly reported that despite some unanticipated costs during FY18, the district’s conservative spending yielded sufficient carry over funds to lay a solid foundation for FY19.
“Great job. Thank you for all your hard work,” School Committee Chairman Janene Imbriano told Connelly.
Superintendent Jon Bernard acknowledged McGovern and the food services workers, as well as Connelly, for all of their efforts in helping the district achieve a profitable program.
“It is a significant achievement,” Bernard stated. “I want to publicly commend Michael (Connelly) and his staff for their efforts, both in food services and in the business department.”