In an effort to insure that accurate information is available about the LPS budget, school committee members Tom Griffiths (chairman), Tom Diaz, and Olga Guttag have compiled answers to frequently asked questions. This document uses information published in the "03 Annual Town Report", data published by Department of Education, and information prepared by Joanne Benton, Superintendent of Schools, Susan Bottan, Director of Finance for Lexington Public Schools, and the administrative staff of the schools. If you have further questions about the materials, please contact the school committee.

1. Over the five years ending in 2003, why has the school budget risen 34% while enrollment has increased only 4.8%?

2. In light of budget constraints, why are teaching loads being reduced in the high school social studies and foreign language departments, from 20 hours per week to 16 hours-that is, from five periods to four periods a day?

3. In the FY2005 override At-Risk Summary, $300,000 are itemized to hire six additional full time staff at the elementary and middle schools. The projected enrollment in these schools is actually down, by 57 students for the year. Why do we need more staff when the number of students is declining?

4. Is it true that he number of academic teachers is actually less than the aggregate number of non-academic, administrative and support staff 440 vs. 452 FTE's?

5. How does Lexington compare with other public school districts in per-pupil expenditure and in average teacher salary?