Community Education

1
Community Education

• Presented by
• Sandra Coonan
• Director of Community Education

2
Community Ed. Umbrella

• Before and After Dark
• Adult and Community Education
• Magic Dragon Childrens Center
• K-6 Extended Day Program
• Drivers Education
• Private Lesson Music Program
• Summer Programs

3

• Comprehensive Programs benefiting residents of
  all ages
• Magic Dragon and Extended Day Programs
• Largest components of Community Education
• Working Families
• School staff/town employees
• DHS Child Growth Development Program (provides
  students with hands-on experience with young
  children)
• Revenue exceeds 1.25 million dollars annually

4
Magic Dragon Finances
5
Extended Day Finances 2006-2007
6
Magic Dragon Payroll/Expense Projections 2007-2008
7
Extended Day Payroll/Expense Projections
2007-2008
8
Budget Challenges for Community Education
Programs

• Previously covered one full time custodial salary
  in lieu of rent, paid a portion of health
  insurance, and covered all other payroll and
  operating expenses of the program
• Several years ago, in response to taxpayers
  concerns, the entire cost of health insurance
  (less 25 employee contribution) was levied
  against the program, and rent was increased to
  two full time custodial salaries
• Difficulty in maintaining self-funded basis as
  Health Insurance/Rent increased from 113,000 in
  FY 03 to 250,000 in FY 06

9
Budget Challenges (cont.)

• Staffing is determined in the Magic Dragon
  Childrens Center classrooms following NAEYC
  requirements and Department of Early Care and
  Education guidelines
• Unique nature of infant and toddler care in a
  public school setting, inherently more costly to
  operate
• Close to 95 of Magic Dragon budget is allocated
  to employee payroll and health insurance benefits
• Staffing is determined in the Extended Day
  program in accordance with Department of
  Education parameters for Public School Operated
  School-Age Child Care Programs

10
Looking Ahead

• Discussion needed relative to costs assessed to
  Comm. Ed. Revolving account that are not assessed
  to other community/town programs (I.e. Recreation
  Department, Senior Center, Library)
• Many towns share in the costs of the Comm. Ed.
  Programs, paying some or all of health insurance,
  or charging for health insurance, but not for
  rent.

11
Looking Ahead

• Discussed obtaining relief from the town for
  expenses at October School Committee meeting -
  primarily in the area of health insurance
• As any financial relief appears unlikely, rate
  increase of 15 for Extended Day and 20 for
  Magic Dragon have been recommended.

12
Looking Ahead

• 2006 Market Rate Survey
• Magic Dragon rate higher than average in
  southeast region, comparable to greater
  Boston/Boston region
• Impact of rate increases on enrollment
• Final enrollment will determine classroom and
  staffing configurations