Woburn School Committee addresses $440K budget gap during city council meeting

In a recent meeting of the Woburn School Committee, significant discussions centered around the fiscal year 2026 budget, highlighting a $440,000 discrepancy between the school committee's proposed budget and the mayor's recommendation. Superintendent Dr. Crowley presented the committee's budget, emphasizing the transformative investments made in recent years, particularly in fine and performing arts, early college programs, and support for students with disabilities.

Dr. Crowley acknowledged the challenges posed by the budget gap, noting that while the school committee's budget aimed to support all students from ages 3 to 22, the mayor's budget fell short. He expressed gratitude for the previous year's record-setting investment in schools but stressed the need for continued advocacy to ensure adequate funding for educational programs.

The committee discussed potential reductions to address the budget shortfall, including the elimination of positions such as a school culture specialist and an assistant superintendent for finance and operations. Dr. Crowley emphasized the importance of these roles, stating that cutting them would hinder the district's progress and negatively impact student services. The committee members expressed their reluctance to make cuts that would affect student-facing positions, highlighting the delicate balance between fiscal responsibility and maintaining quality education.

Additionally, the committee explored the idea of establishing a liaison to the city council to enhance collaboration and communication between the two bodies. This proposal aimed to foster a better understanding of the school committee's priorities and challenges, ultimately benefiting the educational environment in Woburn.

As the meeting concluded, the committee recognized the urgency of finalizing the budget before the upcoming public hearing on June 9. They deliberated on whether to schedule another meeting to further discuss potential cuts or to proceed with the current budget proposal. The overarching sentiment was one of concern for the future of Woburn Public Schools, as members grappled with the implications of budgetary constraints on their ability to serve students effectively.