Reviewed the graphic from 2021 from the MCPSA regarding the State of MA budget timeline. The first step in the process is the release of the Governor's budget in January.  The budget then works its way through the House and Senate,which each release their version of the budget.  The two are then reconciled in June and we arrive at a final budget by June 30 of each year.

Updated FY23 tuition information based on the Governor's budget was released by DESE on January 26, 2022.  The release posted on-line discussed the estimates and the significant changes that the Student Opportunity Act (SOA) were making to the Foundation Budget Rate formula as codified in Chapter 70 of the general laws of Massachusetts.  Key points to remember:

1.  The rates are actual in that enrollment is based on October 1, 2021 

2.  Foundation budgets have been raised by a capped 4.5% inflation

3.  SOA establishes higher foundation budget rates in five areas: benefits and fixed charges, guidance and psychological services, special education out of district, English learners and low income students.  Increases are to be phased in over seven years - FY23 is year two.

4. Based on the Group Insurance Commission three year average health insurance rate increase, the inflation rate for employee benefits is 4.51%

5.  Increase from 3.86% from 3.82% for in-district special education enrollment

6.  Facilities rate increase from $983 to $1,088 per pupil = $105 per student.  For PVPA at 400 enrollment this represents $42,000 for facilites

7.  Above Foundation rates from December 2021 were used - not all of PVPA's sending districts had adjusted above foundation rates at this reporting

The Governor's budget is usually the baseline and changes are made as it works through the House and Senate.  Overall the Governor's budget looks very favorable for PVPA with an estimated FY23 tuition of $7,201,014.  Please keep in mind that this is based on 400 students and no alteration from the December 2021 Above Foundation Rates reported.

The Committee reviewed the proposed increase in hourly rates as bargained with the UAW and approved by the Board of Trustees on January 7, 2022.  The rate increases will add approximately $38,000 to the FY22 salary budget.

Additional staffing increases (FTEs) being considered by the Administration include:

1.  Theater .40 FTE - this will help with scheduling issues and bring the Theater Department back to staffing levels prior to the FY20 reductions

2.  Dance .20 FTE

3.  Facilities 2.0 FTEs - Lunch Aides/Safety Monitors - for FY22 they are grant funded and there is a need to work the positions into the budget permenetly

More information to come on staffing costs for the FY23 budget.

Update from the Executive Search Committee meeting held last week.  They voted to hire Civitas Strategies to assist in the search for the next Head of School.  The approximate cost to be $10,000.