Pembroke School Superintendent presents fiscal year 26 budget amid financial challenges

The Pembroke School Committee convened on April 15, 2025, to discuss the fiscal year 2026 budget and the ongoing financial challenges facing the district. The meeting began with an overview of the town budget process, presented by a town official, who emphasized the importance of maintaining a balanced budget in accordance with Massachusetts law. He noted that while the town has managed to balance its budget this year, it required significant cuts and cautioned that future financial struggles are anticipated.

The superintendent then presented the administration's recommended budget for the upcoming fiscal year. She highlighted the historical funding trends, noting a modest expected growth of 1.28% in Chapter 70 funding, which is the primary source of state education funding. The superintendent pointed out that Pembroke's per pupil expenditure remains below the state average, and she discussed the implications of out-of-district special education placements on overall spending.

The committee reviewed the maintenance of effort budget, which totals approximately $41.3 million, including necessary adjustments for transportation and special education costs. The superintendent explained that the district has been proactive in managing costs, including utilizing a transportation revolving account to offset some expenses. Additionally, she mentioned the potential for increased revenue through fee adjustments and the importance of the town's contribution to the school budget.

A significant point of discussion was the identification of level 1 priorities for reinvestment in educational programs, particularly in social-emotional learning initiatives at the elementary level. The superintendent expressed optimism about the ability to expand programs after years of budget constraints.

The meeting concluded with a consensus on the need for continued collaboration between the school and town officials to navigate the financial landscape and ensure the sustainability of educational offerings in Pembroke. The committee plans to revisit the budget discussions in upcoming meetings as they prepare for the town meeting where the budget will be finalized.