Covering a health insurance cost increase and a state shortfall for employee compensation were the top priorities for the re-appropriation of leftover fiscal year 2016 funds cited by the Gloucester School Board during its work session last Thursday at the Walker Education Center.

Another priority was to pay the 25 percent required match for a recently obtained $78,000 state grant for enhanced school security. “These to me are necessities,” said school division superintendent Walter Clemons regarding the health insurance, compensation and grant match.

No specific dollar amounts were given at the meeting for the amount of leftover funds, the compensation shortfall or the insurance cost. In a May budget meeting, school officials estimated having to use $148,981 in unspent FY16 funds to help cover a $750,000 insurance increase.  

The compensation supplement would make up for an expected state budget shortfall that will reduce school employee pay raises previously promis...