Board approves 2025 cost‑of‑living increases for non‑affiliated staff amid budget concerns
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Summary
The Board approved COLA increases for non‑affiliated employees tied to the tax cap process after debate about state funding uncertainty and next year’s budget gap; board members asked for a finance work plan to prepare options should state aid change.
The Board of School Committee approved cost‑of‑living adjustments for non‑affiliated employees at its June 23 meeting after an extended debate about municipal and state funding pressures.
The superintendent recommended a COLA consistent with the tax cap guidance for the group, and the motion to approve was moved by Committee member Arderopoulos and seconded by Committee member Sowell. Board members raised concerns about a potential multi‑million‑dollar state funding change that could affect the district’s 2026 budget and asked for a coordinated planning meeting with the mayor and finance chair to develop a menu of options should state aid change.
The administration reported the budgetary impact to the district general fund of the approved increases is approximately $172,282; additional portions of the $410,000 total cost were allocated from grants and the school food and nutrition fund. The superintendent noted the district will absorb eight reductions at the district office in the coming year to help offset pressures and reiterated that many group compensation items historically track the tax cap formula.
During debate, some members advocated for approving the increases as a matter of pay equity and to support lower‑paid district employees; others urged caution, asking to table until state funding became certain. The motion carried by roll call vote.
Ending: Board leaders asked the finance committee to convene a planning meeting in July to develop contingency options for next year’s budget and to keep the board informed as state funding actions evolve.