March 27, 2024
Dear Worcester Public Schools Community,
The purpose of this communication is to provide clear, transparent, and concise information related to the next school year budget. In February, we informed the Worcester School Committee of the financial allocations and challenges we will be facing for the 2024-25 school year. WPS is facing a budget gap of $22 million, which is 4.4% of our total operating budget.
How did this budget deficit happen?
The majority of WPS funding comes from the state. The state decides how much money to give a district based on two criteria: how many students we have in the district and an inflation rate. The state is using a lower inflation rate than actual inflation and our student enrollment numbers have not increased. Thus, the state is giving us less than what it would cost to maintain the level of operations we currently have. View a video summary of the FY25 budget allocation, watch the entire presentation, or read the slidedeck.
What is the plan to address the budget deficit?
The district is using Our Promise to the Future, the five-year strategic plan that was recently developed in collaboration with the community, to guide our decision-making process. The priority areas include equitable resources and educational programs, and modernized and safe facilities.
We have begun a deep examination of the budget and potential adjustments, but to date no decisions have been finalized. It is a reality that employee salaries and benefits are 85% of our budget. We anticipate some reductions in staffing, both at the central administration and school levels. To date, the administration has identified nearly 10% of potential reductions from the central office, not including other system-wide costs. Every effort is being made to ensure that all students have access to high quality learning experiences while maintaining the future-ready work we have started.
How is WPS bringing a variety of perspectives to the decision making?
As the district faces a significant budget shortfall, it is imperative that we include the voices of students, parents and caregivers, teachers, and community members in this process. Since February, the administrative team has met with the Worcester Equity Roundtable, school principals, and advisory committees of students, teachers, and caregivers.
Feedback from everyone is critical in this process. Importantly, the administration will follow five guiding principles when it comes to budget decisions: 1) Adhere to collective bargaining agreements as well as state and federal laws; 2) Engage in transparent, data-driven practices that promote WPS success; 3) Ensure quality academic excellence through continuous improvement; 4) Embrace a culture of equity and engagement that allows for variability; and 5) Commitment to safe, secure, and welcoming schools.
WPS will present a proposed budget to the Worcester School Committee in May, followed by several public hearings before a final approval and adoption at the end of June. View the budget development schedule.
As your Superintendent, I will stay committed to working collaboratively with the community, staff and our School Committee to provide an exceptional educational experience. We will use this budgetary challenge as an opportunity to streamline efficiency while remaining steadfastly dedicated to our WPS Promise. It is my intention to provide an additional update by mid May.
Respectfully,
Rachel H. Monarrez, PhD
Superintendent of Schools