Butting heads over budget

Kim Rizzitano

There has been a conflict of opinion among Pembroke committee members concerning the school systems budget. While the advisory committee suggests a budget number of 26.02 million dollars, the town administrator, Edwin Throne, has recommended a smaller amount of spending of 25.63 million dollars. Superintendent, Frank Hackett, however, has outweighed both suggestions and put forth 26.86 million dollars.
On Monday night, March 31, the conflicting sides came together to figure out how to close the gap between the budget propositions. The committee members, town administrator, and the superintendent had to figure out how to compromise 840,000 dollars, which was the amount differing, ultimately, between their suggestions.
On April 22 the recommendations will be presented at the town meeting. However, the committee believes they will have a better idea of a budget once the application deadline for vocational schools has past. In, addition, new athletic teams such as freshman soccer teams, a junior varsity lacrosse teams, and an individual Pembroke girl’s hockey team have been thrown out as possibilities.
Budget has been a constant concern in Pembroke and on whether it has been spent well or to the students’ benefit. Controversy arose over the new Steinway piano bought for the music department with money from the budget. Many members of the town of Pembroke felt it was a waste of money while others thought it was an opportunity for music students to enhance their skills. Groups with contrasting opinions point out that the sports department is constantly receiving new gear and this is one of few of the music department’s purchases.
As reported in the Boston Globe, Eileen Hutchinson, a committee member, said, “I don’t know if we’re supporting the other areas as well as we should be,” when the question of funding more sports teams was proposed.
Nevertheless, the budget will be decided by the committee after much deliberation.