Of this figure, $33.27 million is for personnel costs.
Education Commissioner David M. Borja, Board of Education members and school principals yesterday appeared before the House Committee on Ways and Means to justify their FY 2009 budget request.
The governor’s FY 2009 budget submission will provide PSS $38.3 million.
The PSS proposal includes the accrued Retirement Fund liability of 18.77 percent which is projected to amount to $4.475 million.
In addition to its current staff, Borja said PSS also need 81 additional positions “that are necessary in order to ensure that when it opens the school gates, the schools and classrooms are adequate and properly staffed to meet the students’ needs.”
PSS has 515 classroom teachers.
Its FY 2009 budget includes allocations for books and instructional materials, $1.725 million; operational needs, $2.5 million; repairs and maintenance, $2.5 million; the Office of the Public Auditor fee of $496,543; and building improvements, $4.5 million.
PSS said it also needs $4.4 million for utilities.
“We all understand the importance of education and we have decided to make education a priority for the commonwealth,” Borja said. “Therefore, despite the financial situation we are now facing, it is especially important to ensure that our children are prepared for the future by properly educating them, and giving them the skills and knowledge they will need in the years to come.”
Borja said PSS is hopeful that lawmakers will adequately fund public education, “as it rightfully deserves, and as the children rightfully deserve.”
