Braintree School Committee projects $783,000 FY26 shortfall; outlines cuts that could eliminate 11.4 teaching positions

Assistant Superintendent Nora Bonanza opened the meeting’s budget segment with a second draft update for fiscal year 2026, telling the School Committee the district is projecting a level-services increase of about 4.49 percent, roughly $3.5 million over the FY25 budget.

The projected funding shortfall for FY26 is approximately $783,000, Bonanza said. The committee reviewed an illustrative set of cuts that would bring the budget back to baseline: 11.4 teaching FTEs and several noninstructional reductions, including a proposed cut to the continuing education program and a 0.5 administrative assistant. The superintendent and leadership team emphasized the list is a draft to guide decisions, not final action.

Why it matters: The shortfall follows a year of previous reductions and comes as enrollment patterns and special-education costs shift. The committee and town leaders cautioned that, without additional revenue from the town or other sources, program reductions and larger class sizes are the likely alternatives.

The draft budget shows several drivers for increased costs. Bonanza credited higher special-education legal and contracted services for parts of the administration and guidance increases, and a new school-bus contract that raises transportation costs. The district plans to add one small bus (and a driver) to meet legal transportation obligations for preschool and special-education…