High School Budget Inquiries

1.

Why is the HS Category 2 spending $137,652 over what they should be allocated based on $240/student basis?

 

High School Category 2 was budgeted at $250 per student.  However, this did not include athletic contractual services and transportation.  Because part of the High School category 2 supplies & materials includes part of the athletics budget, the bottom line for the High School is higher.

 

2.

Why a 9% increase for Principal’s secretaries?

 

This represents recategorizing clerical staff at Pentucket Regional High School.  A clerk position originally carried as part time secretary and part time aide is not categorized as full time secretary.

 

3.

34% increase in Cat 3 expenses, particularly heat.  Why is this the case, when other facilites don’t appear to have that rate or are taking steps with extraordinary maintenance to arrest utility expenses?

 

Heating costs at the High School are driven by the market price of #2 fuel oil.  In FY ’04 we paid $.81 per gallon, our latest invoice had a price of $1.527 per gallon.  The price in FY ’06 is difficult to predict because of the influence of world geopolitics.  Three of our buildings: Sweetsir, Donaghue, and Middle School have had modifications to their heating systems that resulted in significant increase in efficiency.

4.

What is the percentage of 10th and 11th grade students who were assigned a study hall for at least one semester this year?

 

40% of Grade 10 students have a study hall for at least one semester this year.  51% of Grade 11 students have a study hall for at least one semester this year.

 

5.

What is the percentage of students who go on to take a 3rd year of a foreign language?

 

53% of Grade 11 students are enrolled in a level three language this year.

 

6.

What is the percentage of students who go on to take a 4th year of foreign language?

 

32% of Grade 12 students are enrolled in a level three language this year.

 

7.

What courses will be affected by the proposed high school schedule changes?  How many sections were offered in these courses last year?  How many will be offered in the proposal?  The information provided in the table below should answer these questions.

NOTE:  If the course is not listed here the proposed number of sections is not being reduced.  

Course Affected

# of sections in 04-05

# of sections in proposal

Other

English 9, 10, 11, 12

Class size of 22.2

Class sizes increase to 25.0

 

Reading

12

6

 

Writing Lab 12

11

4

 

Creative Writing

1

0

 

Visual Literacy

1

0

 

Social Studies 9, 10, 11

Class size of 22.0

Class sizes increase to 25.0

 

Economics

2

1

 

Psychology

6

3

 

Math

Class size of 20.3

Class sizes increase to 22.7

 

Word Processing

12

6

 

Microsoft

3

2

 

Accounting

2

1

 

Science

Class size of 22.0

Class sizes increase to 23.6

 

Oceanography

2

1

 

Anatomy & Physiology

2

1

 

AP Chemistry

1

0

* AP Chemistry is offered every other year.

AP Biology Lab

1

0

*AP Science classes meet 2 times each day this year 4 out of 7 days in the cycle.

Foreign Language

Class size of 21.1

Class sizes increase to 22.4

 

Child Development

3

2

 

World Foods

14

6

 

Basic Design

10

7

 

Drawing

6

4

 

Photo I, II

4

2

 

Music Appreciation

1

0

 

Music Foundations

1

0

 

Musical Theatre

1

0

 

Theatre I

4

2

 

Public Speaking

1

0

 

Health & PE

67

47

 

 

 

8.

What teachers/aides/support staff/administration will be let go or be reduced?

 

Reductions of 8.0 teaching staff, .8 guidance counselor, and 2 ESP’s.

 

9.

What are the specific cuts to music, arts, foods, & consumer and family science?

 

These reductions are reflected in the chart above.

 

10.

How many levels of Math, Science, ELA & Social Studies are there now and proposed for next year?

 

Social Studies contains 2 levels - no changes proposed

Science contains 3 levels - proposed change includes 2 levels

Math contains 3 levels - no changes proposed

English contains 4 levels - proposed change includes 3 levels

 

11.

How is the proposed math curriculum worked into this budget?

 

Not included in budget for this year.

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