Greater Lawrence Tech Sees Enrollment Surge, $4M Budget Rise; School Details transportation and new programs

Greater Lawrence Technical School Superintendent John Lavoie told the Lawrence City Council on the fourth day of budget hearings that the school’s proposed fiscal 2026 budget is up by about $4,000,000, driven primarily by rising enrollment and program expansion.

Lavoie said GLTS enrollment has climbed from roughly 1,200 to about 1,850 students and that 70% of the student body comes from Lawrence. “We are taking in 500 freshmen this year, which is an increase of about 30 students from last year,” he said. He told councilors the school currently has about 644 students on its wait list.

The increase in the school’s assessment to member communities is tied to the state’s Chapter 70 foundation budget and the state’s formula, Lavoie said. He described the school’s per‑pupil cost as “between 25 and 26,000 per student” and noted that Chapter 70 revenue is part of a larger foundation total. He said the city’s assessed local contribution tied to GLTS foundation costs increases with enrollment and local capacity measures set by the state.

Councilors pressed for line‑item detail. Councilor Marmol asked whether Lawrence is meeting its minimum required contribution under Chapter 70; Lavoie replied, “You are meeting your responsibilities…