Wachusett Regional School Committee approves $86.76 million FY26 budget; average town assessments rise 7.03%

The Wachusett Regional School Committee approved the district's proposed FY26 appropriation of $86,757,926 on a roll-call vote March 10, following a public hearing and more than an hour of committee discussion.

The committee set member-town assessments at: Holden $40,090,813; Paxton $8,358,879; Princeton $6,495,354; Rutland $17,617,282; and Sterling $14,195,598. The overall budget increase is 5.82 percent; the average increase in town assessments is 7.03 percent.

The budget vote came after a presentation from Dr. Riley, the district superintendent, and Michelle Grise, director of business and finance, who outlined the district's spending priorities, the development process, and revenue assumptions. Dr. Riley said the proposal reflects efforts to "be direct and honest, to advocate for the needs of our students, but also remain mindful of all stakeholders," and repeated the administration's contention that the state's Chapter 70 and Chapter 78 funding formulas shortchange the district.

Nut graf: The approved FY26 budget funds new instructional positions the administration says are needed to address stagnant MCAS performance and inequities across member towns, while relying in part on expected state reimbursements and $500,000 of excess-and-deficiency (E&D) funds to lower near-term town assessments.

Most of the committee's discussion focused on the budget's mix of program additions and revenue assumptions. Dr. Riley summarized academic…