Barrington school officials are proposing a level-services budget for next year.

But despite no additional personnel requests, the proposed budget still includes a $1.6 million (or 3.3 percent) increase — it would raise the school department's current $49.2 million budget to $50.8 million. 

Barrington school administrators said the $1.6 million is needed to pay for a significant increase in health insurance costs, special education services and some contractual obligations.

The school department's director of finance, Doug Fiore, said inflation alone on a $50 million budget equals about $1 million. That jumps to nearly $1.5 million when factoring in the health insurance increase. 

Mr. Fiore said the district is anticipating a $457,000 increase in health insurance costs. He said some of the cost increase is the result of employees moving from individual coverage plans to family coverage — a family plan costs about three times as much as an individual plan. 

The $457,000 increase will push the district's total cost for health insurance to $4.4 million.

"That does not include the retirees," said Mr. Fiore.

Special education costs are expected to increase as well. The district is currently spending $1.579 million, but is expecting to spend $1.708 million next year. The increases relate to higher out-of-district tuition costs and increased requirements on the level of services.

More ELL students

Barrington administrators have witnessed a sharp increase in the number of English Language Learners — students whose primary language is something other than English — enrolled in local public schools.

Barrington Superintendent of Schools Michael Messore said from 2013 through the summer of 2017 Barrington had about 35 to 40 ELL students each year on average.

"It's doubled since the start of the school year," said Mr. Messore.

Currently, the Barrington School Department has 79 ELL students enrolled, but is only receiving about $1,800 from the state in education aid specific to that population. Providence receives about $3 million in ELL state aid.

Mr. Messore said there are a number of reasons for the up-tick in ELL students in Barrington, including the growing tech industry in Rhode Island.

Future priorities

Not included in the proposed school budget are a number of new or increased positions.

Officials listed the school resource officer. The position is currently costing the school district about $25,000 annually, and splits his time between the schools and regular police work. But officials would like to have the SRO in the schools full-time — that move would cost the district an additional $72,000 for salary and benefits.

Other priorities include:

• Increase math coach position: $28,000

• Increase professional development: $6,800

• Instructional coach: $118,000 (salary and benefits)

• Increase social emotional support: $28,000

Capital budget

School officials are requesting $275,000 in their capital budget to support technology needs. Some of the money would be used for new chrome books, as well as smart boards and new servers.