Schools budget focuses on instruction, facilities

Under the guidance of Schools Superintendent Bernard DiLullo and Business Manager Dean Huff, the Johnston School Department is building budget projections for the fiscal year that begins July 1. The process ensures that all positions within each school in town, or department, are accounted for in the budget proposal.

“Each leader comes to the sessions with a prepared operating budget proposal that includes supplies, instructional materials, equipment and building needs,” DiLullo explained. “Also included is the need for any additional staff based on school census or student needs. Once these meetings are completed, a draft budget is prepared, usually by mid-February.”

The School Committee will then hold budget workshops to refine the proposal.

“Community input is welcomed at these meetings,” DiLullo said. “Once the budget proposal is finalized, we submit it to the town for their assessment.”

The Johnston School Department faces a budget deficit approaching $2 million. The deficit began in 2019, when operating expenses outpaced revenues. The deficit has grown steadily each year, reaching nearly $1.6 million by the end of 2023, while projections for 2024 suggest an additional deficit of $400,000 to $500,000. Last year, the School Department budget grew $3.7 million to a total of $63,496,920.

According to DiLullo, recent investments have focused on instruction. He noted that required instructional materials previously purchased with grant funds have now shifted to the operating budget following the expiration of those grants last September.

“Technology purchases and staff have been reduced as a cost-saving measure, as have some clerical and print center staff,” DiLullo said. “Over the years, various positions have been eliminated.”

Critical building needs continue to be part of the budget proposal. There are heating and roofing concerns in some of the school’s buildings that can no longer be delayed. The superintendent believes it is “critical to ensure our students continue to have a warm and safe place to learn.”

DiLullo highlighted the importance of the new elementary school, planned to open in the fall of 2026, which will address many facility issues at the elementary level. The district also plans to use the Winsor Hill building as an Early Childhood Center, requiring renovations such as a new roof, bathrooms and heating upgrades.

The superintendent also discussed the impact of state-mandated curriculum requirements in math and English Language Arts.

“I believe the purchase of these materials, in addition to the high-quality professional development to support teachers, will provide a positive outcome for our students' achievement levels,” he said.

Special education and multilingual learner programs remain priorities.

“Our special education teachers and support staff are at maximum caseload levels,” DiLullo said. “We also continue to invest in training multilingual learner teachers to support the growing population of students whose first language is not English.”

DiLullo expressed concern about retaining staff, stating he wants to ensure that educators and staff feel valued by being paid appropriately. He said the loss of some highly skilled educators and staff to other districts that offer a more competitive salary range is taking a toll on the district.

The budget faces challenges from out-of-district career and technical education (CTE) costs and services for students with special needs.

“The current cost of students going to other districts is approximately four million dollars,” DiLullo said. “This is why it is critical for Johnston to continue to plan for additional career programs and the facilities to house such programs. If we can keep half of the students who leave our district by offering meaningful career pathways, we will be more financially stable.”

DiLullo acknowledged the loss of Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief grants has had significant impacts.

“Many of the interventionists and support staff funded by these grants were either discontinued or moved to our operating budget based on district need,” he said.

The Johnston School Department remains focused on addressing the major budget drivers, including salaries, benefits, out-of-district costs and the needs of special education and multilingual learners.

 “We will continue to pay close attention to these areas to keep costs manageable while ensuring the best outcomes for our students,” DiLullo said.