Mason Elementary School held the deliberative session for its 2023-2024 budget on Saturday morning. Five members of the public attended, and all warrant articles were approved by those present with no changes. 

The school district’s total proposed operating budget is approximately $3.7 million, a 14.55 percent increase over the current budget. Superintendent/Principal Kristen Kivela said the increases include $120,000 budgeted for special education placement in another school district, up from $1,000 in the current budget. An additional $135,000 is being budgeted for special education transportation, compared to $1 in the current budget. These are due to student circumstances and are required expenses that would be part of the default budget if that passes. 

“Historically our budgets do not go up,” Kivela said. “This is a big increase for us and it’s not typical. A lot of it is out of our control.”

She said the school district returns a lot of money to the town at the end of the school year.

“If we don’t need it we give it back,” Kivela said.

Salaries have increased to include raises and competitive pay for teachers who are new to the district. Health insurance costs have increased as well. 

“We’re very thankful the staff we have is as dedicated as it is,” Mason School Board Chair Christopher Guiry said. “These kids are coming out, they’re testing well. In essence, it’s an environment similar to a private school.”

The school has been experiencing larger class sizes. Mason Elementary School is pre-K through fifth grade. Students in grades six through 12 are sent to Milford School District and Mason pays those tuition expenses.

]]>