Marion School Committee passes $6.5 million budget

MARION — The Marion School Committee unanimously approved a $6.46 million operating budget for the 2022 fiscal year on April 7.

Old Rochester Regional District Assistant Superintendent Howie Barber presented the budget to the committee at a public hearing, where he broke down costs for Sippican School.

The Fiscal Year 2022 operating budget reflects a 2.47% — or $155,000 increase over this year’s $6.3 million budget.

“Keeping the budget under that 2.5% going to the town is huge,” committee member Nichole Daniel said.

On top of the budget, Marion is receiving just over $244,000 in grants and other funding for paraprofessionals, teachers, facilities and tuition costs.

The budget also includes $872,000 in state aid, an increase of around $12,000 over this year’s budget. The remainder of the budget is assessed to the town.

Superintendent Michael Nelson said the 2022 budget puts the district in “a good spot” for both maintaining and expanding learning opportunities in Marion.

Committee member April Rios commended district officials on their presentation, following the unanimous vote to approve the budget.

“This was much appreciated across the board,” she said.