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Longmeadow School Committee approves $44.85 million FY 2026 budget, cites state funding gap
Summary
On Feb. 11 the Longmeadow School Committee voted to send a $44,852,879.12 FY 2026 budget to the town manager, amid discussion about a widening gap between the state'calculated foundation budget and Chapter 78 local contribution guidance and rising special-education and transportation costs.
LONGMEADOW, Mass. — The Longmeadow School Committee voted Feb. 11 to approve a proposed fiscal year 2026 school budget of $44,852,879.12 and forward it to the town manager for inclusion on the warrant for annual town meeting on May 13, 2025. The committee recorded a roll-call vote that produced three votes in favor and one opposed.
Committee members and administrators said the recommended budget reflects rising costs the state'level "foundation budget" now calculates while Chapter 78 increases and other state revenue sources lag, leaving more of the burden on the town. Committee members and district leaders warned those funding dynamics are driving the bulk of the required increase.
Superintendent Tom said the discrepancy between the foundation budget and the Chapter 78 contribution creates a systemic challenge for districts. "It puts additional pressure on Longmeadow," he said, describing how the foundation budget calculation has risen faster than Chapter 78 adjustments and other state revenue streams.
The committee and district staff highlighted several drivers of rising costs…
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