Chariho presents FY26 budget preview: 3.19% proposed increase, fund-balance and capital needs spotlighted

At a Jan. 14, 2025 meeting, Chariho Regional School District administrators presented a preliminary Fiscal Year 2026 budget that proposes a 3.19% overall increase and relies on preliminary state aid projections; the board and the public discussed fund balance levels, capital needs and special-education and safety concerns ahead of the district’s omnibus and budget workshops.

The proposed FY26 budget matters to taxpayers across Charlestown, Richmond and Hopkinton because the membership formula allocates costs among the three towns and the budget will be voted by residents on April 8, 2025. The preliminary plan also sets the schedule for public hearings, omnibus sessions and the March district finance meeting.

Superintendent Picard opened the presentation by framing the budget as an effort to “provide a transparent overview” that balances academic priorities with fiscal responsibility; she told the committee the materials are preliminary and based on current state-aid estimates. “This budget ensures Chariho stays on track to provide a high quality and rigorous public education to all of our students,” she said.

Gregory Zegnan (director of administration and finance) presented detail on revenues and major cost drivers. Key figures and points included: - Proposed overall budget increase: 3.19% (FY26…