Superintendent outlines budget outlook; finance office projects FY26 needs near $267–$270 million and will use carryover to stabilize special‑ed costs

Superintendent O'Leary and finance staff updated the New Bedford School Committee on March 10 about enrollment, state aid and budget planning for fiscal 2026, saying the district expects to present a detailed proposed operating budget in April and is estimating a net school spending target in the $267 million to $270 million range.

O'Leary noted the district’s current enrollment figure “just under 13,000” students and said Chapter 70 state aid is rising but that some increases are offset by higher charter tuition and reduced charter reimbursement. “There’s about a 7.6% increase to the city of New Bedford in Chapter 70,” O'Leary said, adding that after adjustments the district’s realistic increase is closer to 5–6%.

The finance team reported salary and wage spending trends and projected about $1.2 million in available salary‑savings at year‑end, plus an estimated $2.2 million savings in health insurance reconciliation. The administration said it will move a portion of available funds into a newly authorized special education stabilization account — a reserve for extraordinary special‑education transportation or out‑of‑district placements — and described carryover planning for federal grants such as IDEA and circuit breaker funds.

Finance director David Flynn (introduced during the meeting) briefed the committee on cost‑center spending and on transfers the finance subcommittee recommended. The committee approved the recommended transfers and accepted the finance report by voice vote.

Committee members asked timing questions about state enrollment and per‑pupil calculations used by DESE (Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education). O'Leary said the district will continue to refine estimates and present final budget detail for committee review in April and a public hearing in May.