School Board Meets Tonight For Third Budget Review; Vote Expected

Tonight at 6 p.m. at , the Johnston School Committee is scheduled to hold a third — and possibly last — budget workshop on the $48.87 million proposed fiscal 2012 school spending plan.

Over the past two weeks, the school board has reviewed the budget proposed by Supt. Dr. Bernard DiLullo and suggested reductions in everything from heating oil to paper towels in an attempt to require no tax increase — the fourth straight year that the department would be level-funded.

During their meeting on March 16, committee members identified about $60,000 in potential savings which, if approved by a vote of the board tonight, would reduce the expected hike in school costs to $409,000 from the original $1.4 million included in the intial budget proposal from March 9.

Adjustments in state aid and the use of $400,000 from the department's current-year surplus lowered the original estimate, DiLullo explained last week.

The remaining increase — which includes out-of-district tuition costs of some $257,000 — essentially represents the amount that local taxes would have to go up to cover the school budget.

Last week, Chairwoman Janice Mele said the committee would continue to aim for a level-funded budget.

Following tonight's decision, the school committee is expected to formally present the budget to Mayor Joseph M. Polisena for inclusion in the town's foscal 2012 budget.

When asked on March 18 for his thoughts about the potential for an increase in school costs next fiscal year, the mayor said: "Any increase is going to be difficult," though he added he's hopeful the school committee and town officials can reach an agreement before the new fiscal year starts on July 1.