BOURNE – Bourne school officials have slashed more than $315,000 from their fiscal year 2016 budget following the town’s rejection of a proposition two and a half override in October.
5 jobs were eliminated in the cuts, including two open teachers positions, a full-time library assistant, and two technical support positions.
“The sincere difficulty with making reductions during any fiscal year are realities that will not only impact individuals and their own well-being but more so there is an impact on the level of service that we’re able to provide as a school district,” said Superintendent of Schools Steven LaMarche
Still, a nearly $165,000 shortfall remains, after town officials initially requested $480,000 in cuts. School officials are hopeful the shortfall can be addressed at Special Town Meeting in February.
“We’ve basically had the same budget for the last six fiscal years,” LaMarche said. “We’ve averaged an increase of a half of a percent.”
The $2.7 million prop two and a half override was rejected in October by a 34 vote margin.
Two weeks later, voters approved $854,000 in cuts to the town budget. Officials also need to cut $1 million from next year’s budget, according to Town Administrator Thomas Guerino.
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