Lincoln-Sudbury reports no FY24 budget surprises in Finance Committee hearing

SUDBURY -- December 18, 2023, Lincoln-Sudbury tells Sudbury Finance Committee it is on budget for FY24 with health insurance and enrollment driving FY25 ask. Superintendent Andrew Stevens and Director of Finance Kirsten Patterson said no unanticipated expenses have emerged and described net staffing movement of just 0.18 FTE since the budget hearing. Lincoln-Sudbury received an additional $274,948 in Chapter 70 aid, applied to reduce assessments to Lincoln and Sudbury, and $120,000 more in regional transportation reimbursement than projected. Out-of-district enrollment came in at 60 students versus 49 budgeted, but Patterson said tuition spending remains within the $3.05 million circuit-breaker-offset line. Total enrollment is 1,461 now and projected at 1,345 by FY27. Member Henry "Hank" Sorett pressed on the parking-lot solar contract: "If we're saving five grand or a hundred grand on our energy costs, that would be useful to know." The formal FY25 budget hearing is Jan. 29.