New Turf Field at High School, North Attleboro

School officials Monday will be tasked with paring down their original budget request for $9.5 million in additional funds to nearly one-third that, after residents called for clarification on what will or will not be included in the school budget should the override pass next month. Of that proposed $6.5 million tax increase, town officials have said roughly $2.67 million would head to the school department next year. An additional $1 million of the funds will be used for school-related one-time costs and capital improvements. Together, the funds would plug a $1.2 million deficit in the schools and likely stave off any redistricting or school closures, but school officials have yet to say what they would do with the extra cash. A $9.5 million request called for additional funding for nearly two dozen full-time teachers, additional behavioral counselors and psychologists, upgrades for curriculum, technology and supplies, and the elimination of busing, parking, activity and kindergarten fees. Now, with a more concrete number in hand, the school committee will have to decide which of those needs rise to the top of the list. The school committee will hold a special meeting at 7 p.m. Monday to discuss what potential override funds would be used for. The committee does not officially meet again before the April 3 election. But school officials are also recognizing when an override comes to the ballot, there will be questions. Superintendent Scott Holcomb Thursday was hoping to provide some answers. At an information session at the high school, Holcomb opened the floor to nearly 100 parents, students, teachers and community members to ask questions about virtually any part of the school department's budget -- from the potential risks of losing accreditation to what the department is doing to keep students in-house when more are heading off to competing charter or vocational schools. Holcomb presented a look at North Attleboro's low per-pupil expenditures, falling test scores and stagnant home values, drawing a link between investment in education and its effects on the rest of the town. And, he took the evening as an opportunity to confront common criticisms and dispel rumors about the turf field and Allen Avenue Elementary School. The town funneled $1.2 million in capital improvement funds to a new turf field at the high school. With the school department now facing a $1.2 million deficit, many have complained that the money should've gone to the school budget instead. But Holcomb clarified that capital improvement funds are borrowed monies meant for long-term projects. While the funds could've been shifted to other one-time projects, it could not have been infused into the operating budget -- and would not solve the town's budgetary shortfall.

Division 11 -	Equipment, Play Field Equipment and Structures, Playground Equipment, Play Structures.
Division 31 -	Earthwork, Selective Clearing, Grading.
Division 32 -	Exterior Improvements, Athletic and Recreational Surfacing, Site Improvements, Fences and Gates, Planting.
Division 33 -	Utilities.