Finance and Operations report

One thing I didn't mention in my earlier report is that we're seeing an increase of personal services of $44,000 due to eight students enrolling in the Greenfield Virtual High School (they stay home, do work on the computer, and Worcester pays Greenfield). It looks like most of those students are students who were not previously WPS students (homeschoolers, perhaps?). There's a bit of conversation around whether the committee is or is not concerned about this.
And "equity in pricing" means that we are raising the school lunch price for next school year to $1.55 (that's for paid lunch).
Biancheria asks if there is any change in transportation due to the closure of Putnam Lane. Yes, Allen comments that the routes need to change (as some buses use it). Also, students at North High: some students cut through on Putnam, which puts them at less than two miles (and so they walk). With Putnam closed, there is a possibility that they will be beyond two miles. Next year's budget includes a 95th bus. It would cost $6500 for rest of the year, if it needed to be added. Biancheria asks for updates; Novick asks that they be sent to the City Council as well.