Jamestown School Committee members on Jan. 6 reviewed the school department’s primary budget drivers, enrollment projections and proposed capital items as they begin the fiscal 2026 budgeting process.

Superintendent Raleigh and Jane Littlefield, director of finance, presented items “built into the budget” including step increases under existing collective bargaining agreements, estimated health insurance increases and transportation cost projections. Littlefield noted the district budgets from the governor’s recommended state aid and that the official state budget is typically adopted in June, creating uncertainty for local planning.

Administrators highlighted enrollment trends: statewide assessment results showed strong proficiency—English language arts 61.2% (third in the state), math 64.3% (second), and science 67% (second)—but projected small drops in enrollment next year, with a decline of roughly three high school students and about nine students across Melrose and Lawn schools (about one student per grade K–8 on average). Littlefield said the district’s fund balance as of June 30, 2024, was $182,641.

The committee discussed capital improvement projects recommended for fiscal 2026, including a $420,000 window and ventilation project at Lawn and Melrose ventilation units and interior/exterior maintenance; $57,000 was noted for furniture and equipment replacement. Littlefield said some costs are “already built into the budget” while statewide transportation cost impacts remain unknown.

Members pressed on longer-term facilities planning and strategies to attract and retain students. Committee member Drew and others said a joint 10-year town/school planning effort is timely; the committee plans to seek planning grant support, including from the Van Buren Charitable Foundation, to update the facility plan with professional data. Committee leaders said they will discuss a grant opportunity and a facilities-focused agenda at a Jan. 9 workshop and aim to present the full budget for committee review in February with a possible vote on Jan. 13 or Jan. 27, before sending the budget to the town administrator.

Committee members also discussed outreach to families who choose private or home schooling to learn reasons for nonenrollment and whether tuitioned students might be feasible; fiscal and special-education cost obligations were cited as legal/financial constraints. The committee agreed to pursue coordinated planning with the town’s 10-year comprehensive plan.