As we near March it is that time of year again. Budget season.

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Here in Montpelier, we have grown accustomed to relatively steady increases in the school budget. However, after 12 months of COVID-19, this upcoming budget may look different than in years past. 

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MRPS Superintendent Libby Bonesteel and Business Manager Grant Giesler offer readers an inside look at what is in store for the upcoming school year. 

 

"Holding Steady"

 

The MRPS administration did its best to limit spending for the coming year. With taxpayers under stress from a financially difficult year, it figured that limiting excess spending was the best course of action. 

 

However, the education tax for Montpelier residents is set to increase. The cost of education is rising roughly three point three percent in the coming year. 

 

This is because the state education tax and district school budgets do not directly correlate. Tax rates are determined by a statewide formula with outside factors including the dollar yield and common level of appraisals.**

 

This budget was developed under the assumption that school will be completely back in person in the fall. If this is not the case, Bonesteel and Gieser are confident that the budget will be sufficient for hybrid or remote learning. 

 

The district "Fund Balance" (think savings account from previous years) is also available to help cover additional costs.

 

***To learn more about this formula, readers can visit this video

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What does this mean for students?

 

Though the increase may only be two percent, some of the funding will be used for student programs. 

 

At UES, there will be a new in house autism program. In previous years, outside consultants were contracted to work with intensive needs students. 

 

"We'd like to build that program internally," Bonesteel said. In the long run, this program is intended to cut costs as well as get these students back in the classroom. The funding for the majority of this program is provided through Special Education grants from the state. 

 

MHS will also be improving its alternative learning program. This program will be funded through Medicare. "The places that we've looked to improve our capacity as a system don't necessarily impact the education tax," said Bonesteel.  

 

What does this mean for teachers?

 

In general, MRPS staff will not see much change this coming academic year. 

 

Teachers will have standard contract negotiations but there are no general metrics available. 

 

The expenses of health care benefits have increased roughly nine percent this year, while the services themselves remain stable. The school district has no control over these rates, which are determined by Blue Cross Blue Shield. 

 

Lastly, PE and health staffing will be joining MHS, the district will welcome an additional math interventionist and intensive needs specialist. Roxbury Village school will be adding a nurse to cover more hours. 

 

Additional Information

 

We encourage readers to read the entire third draft of the budget here. 

 

Community members may also attend the information hearing on March 1st and vote on March 2nd (Town Meeting Day).

See the MRPS website for more information.