Residents Discuss Ways to Fund Schools At Wrentham Elementary Budget Hearing

Wrentham Elementary Superintendent Jeffrey Marsden presented a $9.1 million budget at Tuesday night's public budget hearing, saying  school spending has become a matter of priorities for the town.

Marsden said the budget — which would represent a 5.6 percent increase over last year — would ensure level services at the schools.

"Historically, when you look back, you need a five to eight percent increase to keep what you have," he said. "When you factor in the .8 percent decrease and zero percent increase over the past two years, it's not bad."

Marsden said the town needs to take a look at education funding.

"In the end, it's all about value — what the town values," he said. "Norfolk and Plainville have passed overrides — we don't do that here."

According to Marsden, the town's per-pupil expenditures are well below that of those two towns.

"You may say, 'What's $1,900?'" he said. "If you take the difference, and multiply it by the number of kids in Wrentham, that's a lot. If you're paying the same as Norfolk, that would be an additional $2.3 million. If you're paying the same as Plainville, that would be $1.7 or $1.8 million."

He said the district is competing with King Philip for limited local funds.

"Unfortunately, you have to decide if you want to spend money on the little kids or big kids," he said. "There's one piece of the pie — King Philip's going after it, and we're going after it."

"Someone's taking a beating here, and I'll tell you who's been taking it the last two years: the little kids," he added.

King Philip School Committee member Matthew Gray said both KP and the town's elementary schools need attention.

Board of Selectmen Chairman Stephen Langley told the audience that the town is considering several options to bring in additional money, including debt exclusion and trash fees.

Selectman Joseph Botaish said the town must not only look at those methods, but increasing revenue.

"We had an opportunity last year, but not enough people showed up," he said. "Everyone said no to developing Route 1."

"If we increase our revenue sources, it's going to filter down to the schools," he added.

Several parents present asked about bus fees or additional grants. Marsden said multiple revenue sources are currently being explored.