Groton Dunstable Schools propose FY26 budget seeking $673K override in Groton

The Groton-Dunstable School Committee convened on March 12, 2025, to discuss the certification of the Fiscal Year 2026 budget, which includes significant adjustments and proposals for funding. The meeting featured a presentation detailing the superintendent's proposed budget, which aims to restore two positions—a guidance counselor and a nurse—at the middle school while reducing one full-time equivalent (FTE) position at the central office.

The proposed budget reflects a 6.53% overall increase, primarily due to a favorable adjustment in health benefit renewals, which came in at 2% lower than anticipated. This reduction positively impacted the operating budget, allowing for a more manageable increase compared to previous estimates. The budget discussions also highlighted the reliance on local funding, with state funding contributing only 24% of the overall budget, down from 35% in 2008.

Three budget scenarios were presented, each with varying implications for personnel and funding requirements. The first scenario, which maintains the superintendent's proposed budget, requires operational overrides of $673,250 from Groton and $502,714 from Dunstable. The second scenario suggests personnel reductions and an override of $185,440 in Dunstable only, while the third scenario proposes severe cuts totaling nearly $1.7 million, with no overrides needed.

Committee members expressed concerns regarding the need for another override after previous requests were rejected by voters in both towns. The superintendent clarified that this year's request is significantly lower than last year's, emphasizing the changes in both the budget numbers and the operational needs within the schools.

The meeting concluded with a call for a vote to certify the FY '26 budget, with committee members encouraged to reach out for further information on the impacts of the proposed changes. The committee aims to ensure that the budget aligns with the educational needs of the Groton-Dunstable community while navigating the complexities of funding and personnel adjustments.