PEABODY — The Peabody School Committee voted Wednesday night to approve a $76.6 million budget that was proposed by Superintendent of Schools Dr. Josh Vadala for fiscal year 2022.
The FY22 school budget aims to allocate funds toward programs that would help students recover from the impact the COVID-19 pandemic has had on their education. It represents a $1.76 million increase in spending over last year’s budget.
The budget directs $39.47 million to fund the district’s 12 schools, and allocates $37.14 million for 10 school departments, including technology, utilities, special education, athletics and custodial services.
Approximately $51 million will go toward district staff, an amount that provides for the hire of another staff member in the central office.
During Wednesday’s meeting, School Committee member Joseph Amico said he wanted to see the budget add more direct funding to students, such as for their athletics, job, and performing arts programs.
“That’s what we do best,” said Amico. “We educate our kids, but that’s where our kids really, really thrive and become great leaders.”
Amico suggested transferring at least $10,000 from contracted services, which would have instead been divided between those three student programs.
However, Vadala said he wanted to make sure that the overall budget was funded to address the needs of all students.
“I think this budget does that,” Vadala said.
Vadala said the budget provides a “great opportunity to get good press for the kids,” in terms of improving the district’s central advertising and recruiting abilities.
“That was something that we incorporated this year to really try to publicize the school a little bit better,” Vadala said. “It was a huge help this year and it is something that I would like to continue to do and to really provide that spotlight and that coverage on our students as best as we can.”
The committee also passed a motion to reduce $5,000 from legal services to put toward student activities. Valada told the committee that when students ask for classes, the district tries to accommodate those requests. He also said the district plans to continue offering after-school programs, college planning support, financial classes and credit recovery options.
The issue of uniforms and equipment was also discussed, with more money being put toward better uniforms that allow the students to look professional.
Committee member Beverly Ann Griffin Dunne said the district should put money toward improving and expanding the After Dark Program, which allows students to get workforce training at Essex Tech.
“We should look at expanding that program so that more and more students are able to receive the benefits of that type of education,” Dunne said.
Vadala said they are doing everything they can to meet the students where they are and “provide as much opportunity as we can.”
A public hearing for the school budget is scheduled for Tuesday, June 8.