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Medford School Committee approves budget reconciliation; paves way for stabilization fund and new alternative program funding
Summary
The committee approved a reconciliation plan on June 9 that shifts revenue sources, secures a commitment for a free-cash appropriation from the city, and funds start-up of an alternative program at Medford High School; the vote passed 5–0 with two abstentions.
On June 9 the Medford School Committee voted to approve a budget-reconciliation plan that adjusts revenue sources to match the city’s appropriation and secures near-term funding for positions and capital needs.
Budget analyst Jerry McHugh and finance staff member Noel Velez presented the reconciliation, telling the committee the plan relies on a mix of question-override aid, transfers from revolving funds, and a city commitment to a free-cash appropriation to cover capital and position needs. McHugh said the moves keep spending at the level the committee approved in May while changing the revenue sources to align with the mayor’s proposal to the city council.
Member Graham highlighted several outcomes of the reconciliation, including a city increase in its allocation to Medford Public Schools to 3 percent and the addition of funding to start an alternative program at Medford High School. "Miss Cabral from the high school has been talking about the need to create an alternative program at Medford High for 2 years now," Graham said; the reconciliation found funding to launch that program, she said.
Committee members also discussed creation of a stabilization fund to carry FY25 resources forward into FY26 for expenses that began in FY25 but will fall due in FY26, including unsettled bargaining-unit costs. McHugh and Velez said city action (free-cash appropriation) is required and that the city council will consider related papers at upcoming meetings.
Member Graham moved to approve the reconciliation as amended; Member Rheinfeld seconded. The motion passed on a roll-call vote: Members Graham, Entapa, Olipade, Rinefeld and Russo voted yes; Members Bridal and Mary Longo Kerr abstained. The clerk recorded "5 in favor, 2 abstaining." The committee noted the district will monitor all moves during next year’s budget development to determine sustainability.
The committee plans to monitor bargaining negotiations and to return to the council if any changes are needed when FY26 budgets are finalized.
