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Barnstable Town Council approves Schools, Airport, Police FY22 budgets
Bronwen Howells Walsh
The Barnstable Town Council on Thursday approved a $73,520,899 FY 22 public schools budget, a $1,047,000 increase over FY 21 that places increasing emphasis on mental health services and English as a Second Language (ESL) instruction. Schools are playing a greater role in delivering mental health services, Mayo-Brown said. Counseling services are key and go hand in hand with academic services.
The district s largest spending increases 2017-20, according to Gareth Markwell, Barnstable s assistant Finance director: 35% increase in spending on English as a Second Language (ESL) instruction; 33% increase in guidance counselors; 32% increase for reading; 31% increase in art, applied technology and technology maintenance; a 27% increase in kindergarten instruction; and a 26% increase in math.
It’s a very fragile time for students, parents and staff, said Joe Nystrom.
Susan Vaughn
BP FILE PHOTO
The Barnstable School Committee last Wednesday passed a nearly $75.7 million FY 22 district operating budget, an increase of $1 million, or 1.4% over the current year.
Supt. Meg Mayo-Brown said the budget is based on a plan for a full return to in-person schooling following the pandemic. Continuing online opportunities appears less likely next year, she said.
The budget drew no public comment at the committee’s March meeting except on a proposed amendment to hire additional substitute teachers, which failed by a 4:1 vote.