School committee proposes $59M budget amid financial challenges and town overrides

The North Middlesex Regional School District (NMRSD) School Committee convened on February 26, 2025, to address pressing budgetary concerns for the upcoming fiscal year 2026. The meeting began with the announcement that the initial budget proposal had failed, prompting Chair Will Hackler to propose a revised budget totaling $59,126,446 for operations, $5,029,162 for transportation, and $3,615,901 for debt service. This budget aims to meet statutory requirements for school assessments across member towns.

Hackler also recommended utilizing $1,872,226 from the excess and deficiency account to help offset the operational budget. He emphasized that these allocations are intended to serve the best interests of the schools and the communities, ensuring quality education while maintaining fiscal responsibility. The motion received a second from committee member Patrick McPhillips, leading to a discussion among members.

During the discussion, concerns were raised about the financial viability of the proposed budget. One member expressed skepticism about the towns' willingness to support the budget, particularly given the significant override of approximately $1.7 million that would be required if towns adhered to a 3% assessment increase. The committee debated the likelihood of passing the budget in two of the three towns, with particular emphasis on Pepperell's previous override and its potential impact on future assessments.

The committee members acknowledged the need for clarity regarding the towns' financial capabilities. It was noted that without confirmation from town administrators about their ability to exceed the 3% increase, the committee must base its decisions on that assumption, which could lead to a zero budget scenario.

As discussions progressed, the committee considered the implications of a potential state intervention if the budget reached a one-twelfth funding level. Members expressed uncertainty about how the state would respond and whether it would favor the schools or the towns in its decisions.

The meeting concluded with a consensus on the urgency of providing towns with a definitive budget number to facilitate their planning. The committee recognized the need to balance the budgetary requirements with the towns' financial constraints, suggesting that a lower percentage increase, such as 2%, might be more acceptable to the towns.

Overall, the meeting highlighted the ongoing challenges faced by the NMRSD in securing adequate funding while navigating the complexities of town assessments and state regulations. The committee plans to continue discussions and finalize budget numbers to ensure timely communication with the towns.