Grafton schools face $3.7M deficit and staff reductions amid state funding crisis

The Grafton Public Schools School Committee meeting on February 5, 2025, focused on critical funding challenges facing the district. Committee members expressed deep concerns regarding inadequate state funding, highlighting that Grafton ranks eleventh from the lowest among 319 districts in Massachusetts. This significant funding gap poses a serious threat to the quality of education in the district.

During the meeting, it was noted that the anticipated funding shortfall could lead to a cumulative deficit of approximately $3.7 million over the next five years. The district is expected to absorb a substantial portion of this deficit, with projections indicating that it will need to manage about $1.5 million of a $1.7 million deficit in fiscal year 2026 alone. This financial strain could result in the reduction of around 36 staff members, which would lead to increased class sizes and negatively impact educational programming.

Committee members emphasized the urgency of addressing these funding issues, as failure to secure adequate resources could lead to a decline in the district's ability to provide essential services. The discussions underscored the importance of finding solutions to ensure that Grafton Public Schools can maintain its educational standards and support its students effectively.

As the committee prepares for further discussions on potential reductions and strategies to address the financial challenges, the implications of these funding issues remain a pressing concern for the community and the future of Grafton Public Schools.