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Date: 10/27/2021
SPRINGFIELD – Extensive review of a $3,860,083 state aid increase in the supplemental school budget occurred during the Springfield City Council meeting on Oct 18.
After opening the meeting with a moment of silence in honor of former Mayor Charles Ryan, who passed away on Oct. 18, Springfield Public Schools Budget Director Michael Eaton explained that the increase occurred because the district’s School Committee and City Council completed their 2022 fiscal year budget before the state finalized their outlook. “[Initially] we built the budget based on the governor’s numbers, which came out in last January…We like to have the security of an established budget prior to entering the fiscal year,” said Eaton.
The budget director revealed that the district wasn’t expecting a sizable increase in school budget, but he saw the raise as an opportunity to aid schools where it’s needed most. “We chose to fund student opportunity act allocations that we pushed out to all the schools so they can purchase additional teachers, fund tutoring programs and perform wrap-around services,” said Eaton. The district also received $2,200,000 that will go toward Springfield charter schools, according to Eaton.
While the spending of the budget increase is already accounted for across the district, At-Large City Councilor Tracye Whitfield and Ward 6 Councilor Victor G. Davila said additional funds should go toward merit pay bonuses for public school employees. “I’m not just talking about teachers; I am talking about principals, paraprofessionals, IT workers, engineers … they work hard and come in close contact with COVID-19,” said Whitfield. The councilor’s sentiments have been supported in Public Speak Out sessions during City Council and School Committee meetings, including one prior to the Oct. 18 meeting.
After the council discussed whether the item should be continued into subcommittee meetings, the budget increase was ultimately approved. Whitfield explained that streamlining money that goes directly to students was essential, but shared she would analyze how funds can be reshuffled to provide worker bonuses.
The City Council also continued discussion on proposed historic renovations for 2612 Main St. Ward 1 Councilor Gumersindo Gomez said this project exists in his ward, expressing that the space has become an eyesore to the community. “We have worked to get that Main Street looking very good. We need to continue to bring those improvements within the community,” said Gomez. After proper wage theft protocols were incorporated from last meeting’s notes, the item was approved by the council.
A series of grants were also approved by the council. Springfield Parks and Recreation Director Patrick Sullivan discussed the projects, which includes $400,000 toward improving Blunt Park’s outdoor picnic area and $100,000 for the development of a trail near Camp Angelina. Both grants were approved by City Council.
The Springfield City Council will meet again on Oct 25.