Fixed Costs, Salaries Drive High School Budget Increase
Katie Ruppel

The Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School district committee voted this week to certify a $17.6 million budget for the coming fiscal year, an increase of $732,927 or 4.3 per cent.

“Much of the budget is driven by things we cannot control,” high school principal Stephen Nixon said during a public presentation of the budget last week, noting fixed costs that include salaries, debt service, retirement, shared services and health insurance. Those costs alone total $5.4 million, an increase of 13.3 per cent over last year, Mr. Nixon said.

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High School Budget Hike Is Forecast
Chris Burrell

Soaring health insurance costs combined with deep cuts in state aid
could force Island taxpayers to bankroll a regional high school budget
that's nearly 12 per cent higher than this year.

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High School Budget Set at $11.6 Million; State Aid Cuts, Rising Costs Explain Jump
Chris Burrell

Dwindling state aid and rising insurance costs are fueling a regional high school budget that will cost Island taxpayers $11.6 million next year.

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High School Budget Must Be Redone

High School Budget Must Be Redone

By JULIA WELLS

The Martha's Vineyard Regional High School budget now goes
back to the drawing board.

This is the next step following the vote in Oak Bluffs this week to
reduce its high school assessment by some $400,000. The vote capped
months of debate among Island towns over regional school assessments,
which were thrown into a state of widespread confusion because of a
14-year-old state law that for unknown reasons had never been enforced
on the Vineyard until this year.

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High School Budget in Limbo as Special Meeting Plans Stall
Ian Fein

High School Budget in Limbo as Special Meeting Plans Stall

By IAN FEIN

In a political maneuver intended to draw the attention of the state,
selectmen in three Island towns this week indicated they may
intentionally leave the Martha's Vineyard Regional High School
without a budget for the coming fiscal year.

The unusual tactic comes as part of an ongoing controversy over how
towns divide their regional school district costs.

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High School Budget Cuts Teaching Jobs, Under Pressure from Town Purse Holders
Sam Bungey

A $16.4 million Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School budget for 2009, a 1.7 per cent increase on the previous year, was certified by the high school committee Monday in a 9-1 vote.

The budget cuts five and two fifths positions at the high school, in English and math, assistant in special education, custodial and driver’s education. Additionally, Mr. Nixon eliminated two fifths of a bus driving position.

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Home Economics Is Dropped To Level High School Budget
Remy Tumin

Regional high school principal Steven Nixon presented a $16.6 million draft operating budget to a school subcommittee Monday night, a 1.01 percent increase over last year. Even with many staff and faculty receiving contractual step increases this year, the budget remains nearly flat due to retirements and the elimination of the home economics program.

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High School Budget Includes Equal Mix of Cuts and Spending
Remy Tumin

With little discussion, the Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School district committee voted on Monday night to certify a $16.6 million operating budget for the coming fiscal year, a .98 per cent increase over last year.

Even with most teachers receiving two per cent contractual salary increases next year, the extra spending will be offset by staff reductions due to retirements and the elimination of the home economics program.

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