The Hamden Special Finance Committee returned in person for the first time in over a year this past Tuesday, Sept. 21, for an update meeting.
The 6 p.m. financial briefing was held in Hamden’s Central District Office Boardroom at 60 Putnam Ave. Thomas Ariola, Chief Operating Officer of Hamden Public Schools, led the meeting reporting on budgets, new programs, and hopes for the coming school years. Those also in attendance were Jody Goeler, superintendent of Hamden School District, as well as Gary Walsh, Christopher Daur, and Lynn Campo, who are board members.
This is the first time Ariola has worked with Goeler on the Special Committee.
The meeting was called to finalize the 6/30/21 budget, finalize school cafeteria financials, and update ESSERS I, II, & III grants. The board was also tasked with the approval of the final 6/30/21 budget transfers. Last year’s numbers were reported to be “way higher.”
While the price per child for tuition increased, which will be dissected in the next meeting, Ariola noted how the board was above their tuition averages, which is “something for the town to be proud of.”
“We needed to take care of the kids, so we managed to balance out our [loans],” said Ariola.
Ariola and the board also focused on some major projects being done. $385,000 dollars worth of grant money that is designated for the board’s goals, as well as an additional $2.5 million dollars worth of Alliance funds are being allocated to renovations.
On top of these grants, the board noted they had to use an extra $250,000 dollars to make renovations on custodial projects such as cleaning the school’s ducts, which has been “showing improvement and is being maintained.”
A large benefactor to renovations being done is the CARES Act, under TITLE II—ASSISTANCE FOR AMERICAN WORKERS, FAMILIES, AND BUSINESS. This act was able to supply the Board with $1.1 million to help renovations, projects, and programs.
The board is also in the process of solidifying technological programs. Expenditures have been moved around, since the majority of these funds went to tech and supplies maintenance. Chromebooks, HVAC, and other technological needs are being managed with excess money.
“We were able to say a portion of our salaries were used for these pressing issues.” said Ariola in regard to administrative sacrifices.
Although Ariola worries there is not enough money for software costs, the board is holding roughly $2 million for these projects.
“We’ll move it,” said Ariola.
Due to COVID-19 and hybrid methods, Hamden schools reportedly did not use as many tutors or stipends, yet still requested the state aid them in implementing summer school programs through the YMCA. While money from the 2019-2020 school year Alliance is being carried over for additional aid, the next grant won’t be available until Oct. 1. The board is “doing its part” in managing its expenses.
While the nation is seeing significant funding and employment issues with bus transportation systems, Ariola briefly acknowledged Hamden’s standings. Money set aside for public school transport lines was overspent, however, funding for special education school lines was underspent. Ariola said the board put controls in place so special education lines weren’t dipped into.
“Our whole task for the next 45 days is seeing where our budget goes and the excess,” said Ariola.
A complete list of Hamden Public School’s monthly financial report can be seen here.