The Needham Public Schools School Committee on Tuesday considered reductions to the fiscal year 2013 budget plan as well as a possible $20-per-rider increase in bus fees in response to ongoing discussions with the Finance Committee.

Superintendent Dan Gutekanst recommended that $67,150 be cut from the school department budget, with the most notable area reducing the transportation subsidy by $31,000.

“I think this is a reasonable and practical way to close the gap,” Gutekanst said.

The reductions come after the Finance Committee found that the budget needed to be reduced by approximately $65,000. Gutekanst said that he and the School Committee have worked with the Finance Committee, district principals and administrators to find the best area to make the cuts.

The reductions to the superintendent's recommended FY2013 budget, totaling $67,150, are as follows:

• Reduce transportation subsidy by $31,000: This impact of this will be that bus fees will increase from $370 to $390 with the family cap adjusting accordingly.
• Cut performance report funding by $11,700: The impact will be seeking alternative funding and increased advertising revenue.
• Shift a part-time preschool nurse to grant-funded ($8,095): The impact will be using the Federal 94-142 Grant program to provide services for special education preschoolers.
• Defer professional growth stipends ($7,552): The impact will defer implementation of stipends.
• Shift cost of rugby coach stipend to athletic revolving account ($3,203): This will defer funding of supplies and/or equipment in an equivalent amount to implement position.
• Reduce PE supply request ($1,500): This will reduce the amount requested from $7,120 to $5,620
• Reduce Professional Services Line Item ($1,500): This reduces professional student support services contracts.
• Reduce data integration services ($2,600): This leaves $25,000 for implementation.

The School Committee was not expected to vote during the meeting, but rather listened to the proposal and responded. Gutekanst explained that the reductions are designed to meet an immediate need but that school leaders still need to look toward the future. Committee members had mixed feelings, but all in all seemed to feel that the proposal was heading in the right direction.

The main area of concern regarded the increase in bus fees, which has been opposed by many parents in town. Parents have spoken of taking their children off the bus if there is an increase. There were no residents at this meeting who spoke against the increase.

“I don’t think the $20 is a tipping point,” School Committee member Joseph Barnes said. “I don’t think it will drive people away—I certainly hope not. It’s a tough pill to swallow.”

Barnes noted that even with rising gas prices, the district has been able to maintain a level fee for some time.

The idea of getting involved in the bus business was brought up by School Committee chairwoman Marianne Cooley, but she added that it does not appear to be cost efficient. She noted that the Concord-Carlisle School District does this and it costs $1.9 million, not counting repair costs. This is simply not allowed for in Needham’s budget.

School Committee member Heidi Black said that the $20 increase seems like a lot because they have been so steady over past years. And while it has not increased since 2008, the cost is among the highest in the state.

“I would like to see a more gradual increase until we have a better solution,” Black said.

The School Committee is expected to vote on a revised budget at the Feb. 28 meeting.