(Keep in mind that all numbers this time of year are estimates: kids are still signing up for kindergarten, the state is debating the budget, teachers could still retire, and so forth.)

Funding for the Worcester public schools is expected to increase next year by $9.8 million dollars over this year.

That's 3.2%.

Spending for the Worcester Public Schools is expected to increase next year by $13.1 million dollars.

That's 4.5%.

And the charter school assessment is expected to increase $2.3 million, or 12%.

Of the increases expected next year, $9.6 million or 62%, are in health insurance (even after the Section 18 change made by the City Council last year), charter school tuition, retirement assessments, student transportation, special education tuition, and building utilities...things that are non-negotiable, or already negotiated.

From "Report on Revenue and Expenditure Projections for Fiscal Years 2007-2011" from the Worcester Public Schools