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APPROPRIATION COMMITTEE REPORT TO 2010 ATM — MARCH 2010 Warrant Article Analysis and Recommendations Article 4: Appropriate FY2010 Funds Funding Committee Conference Registrations Requested Source Recommendation Operating Budget $68,747,426 See motion Approve (8 -0) $142,363,311 See motion See below Each major section of this request is discussed separately below. Description Funds Funding Committee Conference Registrations Requested Source Recommendation Lexington Public Schools $68,747,426 See motion Approve (8 -0) Overview The School Committee has approved a school operating budget that comprises $68,747,426 in Town funds and $818,090 of federal stimulus funds for a total of $69,565,516. The $818,090 represents the second half of federal stimulus funds (American Reinvestment and Recovery Act or ARRA) received by the Lexington Public Schools. The first half of the ARRA funds, also in the amount of $818,090, is being spent in the current fiscal year (FY2010). In light of the continuing economic downturn, this budget assumes a 15% reduction in non -ARRA federal and state grants except for the federal special education (IDEA) grant which is anticipated to be level funded. The requested appropriation is 2.67% more than was appropriated for this line item in FY2010. The bottom -line total is the amount required for a level - services budget that was prepared by the Superintendent at the request of the School Committee. However, the budget includes internal adjustments that allow for certain service improvements without requiring any increase in the requested funding amount. To be specific, needed improvements in technology education, the restoration of a K -5 social studies coordinator and the addition of a math coach are being funded by the elimination of a vacant position and a speech/language position. American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) The use of ARRA funds is regulated by highly specific rules and guidelines. Due to the rules and guidelines the district considers these funds to be non - recurring in nature. For these reasons, the district has designated the funds for special education and professional development. As a result, funds for Special Education Tuition will need to be appropriated by Town Meeting in FY12; and the source of funds to continue the professional development program will need to be identified in the existing appropriation or additional funds sought from Town Meeting. The funds made available through ARRA are proposed to be used as follows: ARRA supported expenses Amount AIMSweb (K -5 literacy assessment tool) $25,000 Conference Registrations $10,000 Travel Costs $10,000 Materials & Supplies $30,000 Equipment $10,000 Page 9