Everett School Committee hears FY2026 budget proposal, refers plan for committee vote after 7-0 roll call

Superintendent Hart and district finance staff presented the Everett Public Schools proposed fiscal year 2026 budget on April 3, outlining a $136,900,000 operating request and a total of $142,154,420 when special-education transportation is included. The School Committee voted 7-0 to refer the superintendent’s proposed budget to the full committee for action at the April 7 meeting.

The budget team framed FY2026 as a “service level” proposal that preserves existing programs and staffing while absorbing several fixed-cost increases, Superintendent Hart said. "I am indeed proud to present a budget to you this evening that puts our students, our families, and our employees first," Hart said at the start of the presentation.

Deputy Superintendent Gretchen Manning and Director of Budget Chris Schweitzer led the detailed review. Manning highlighted required investments under the Student Opportunity Act, saying the district’s year-2 obligation for that plan is "1.57 million dollars for year 2." Schweitzer said enrollment — the primary driver of state aid — was 7,347 on the official October 1 count and “as of last week, our enrollment in the district is nearly 7,500,” which the administration cited as a stabilizing factor for revenue.

Why it matters: the district said it can present a balanced operating budget without layoffs or program reductions despite rising costs in special education, health insurance and infrastructure. The committee must adopt a budget for referral to the city by the legally required May 1 timeline; the School Committee’s April 7 vote will send the request into the city budget process.

Key figures and investments - Proposed operating budget (net school spending after chargebacks): $136,900,000.…