Durkin Presents $147M Budget Request for New Bedford Schools

NEW BEDFORD - New Bedford Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Pia Durkin has outlined her initial Fiscal Year 2019 budget proposal to the School Committee.

At Monday night's meeting, Dr. Durkin plunked down a nearly $147 million budget request for Fiscal Year 2019, which includes over $7 million in enhancements over the previous year.

The district's level service budget is about $139.6 million, nearly $9 million over Fiscal Year 2018's budget. A reduction in grants, maintenance projects, an updated science curriculum, IT projects, and special education cost increases account for the inflation of the level service budget.

Chapter 70 aid from the state stands at $143.4 million dollars, with required net school spending at $171.8 million, requiring a $28.4 million contribution from the district. Required net school spending includes benefits for staff such as healthcare and retirement costs to the district.

Dr. Durkin announced her resignation on November 16, 2017. Her last day is June 30, 2018.