Methuen School Committee adopts $110.66 million FY26 budget; recalls, layoffs and one dissent noted

The Methuen School Committee on June 26 approved a $110,657,252 fiscal year 2026 operating budget after roll‑call votes on individual line items and the total, with a 6‑1 tally on the final number.

The vote followed discussion of staffing changes that were already reflected in the school‑committee approved staffing plan: the budget reduces or eliminates several positions, including four world‑language positions at the grammar schools, one physical‑education position at Marsh and CGS, four K–4 health positions and some high‑school and classroom posts tied to enrollment declines. The superintendent said recall calls to some employees were scheduled to begin the next day.

Why it matters: the adopted budget, and the city and state funds layered against it, determine how many staff return, which programs are restored and what one‑time remediation and contracted services the district can fund before the start of school. The votes also closed a months‑long process in which district and city leaders sought reimbursements and free‑cash transfers…