Response to Mr. Crandall

Mr. Crandall has asked in the Reporter, “What is going on with our school budget?” I would ask that he question the sources for the numbers he provided in that editorial since there are many inaccuracies in his numbers and statements. The fact is, the School Committee voted unanimously for a 1.32% budget on 4/23/19 with an $18,723,605 assessment to Rehoboth. When looking at the budget, the 1.32% increase only applies to the operating budget. The capital budget is a separate item that is funded typically by debt exclusions (i.e. the High School roof). Your statements in your article combine both the capital and operating increases and surmise a 10% increase as if this is the School Committee’s “new request,” even though it is not. The capital assessment last year was $409k and this year it is $806k, with the $397k increase already voted as a debt exclusion for the High School's roof, the Palmer River's roof, and Beckwith's windows. This portion is not a new request and already comes with its own prior voted funding.

Since the budget increased 1.32%, you would expect the assessment to increase roughly the same. However, this was not possible since the school has used its E & D savings account for several years now and the balance is lower.  Last year we were able to use $1.25M from this savings account; this year we are only able to use $500k, leaving a $750k deficit in the assessment and that is why there is a greater increase than just 1.32%. If you add the $750k to $470k, which is the state mandated increase in the required minimum local contribution, you would get a $1.22M increase. We have asked for less than that at $1.17M. This budget is extremely lean at a 1.32% increase, and I would like to note that the School Committee is not looking for an override; we were not involved in the Fincom meeting or the writing of the language in the warrant.

Kathy Cooper
DR School Committee