Scituate School Committee approves FY26 budget after committee discussion

The Scituate School Committee voted to approve the district's Fiscal Year 2026 operating budget at its Feb. 10 meeting, following a presentation by district leadership and committee discussion about program outcomes and budget priorities.

Superintendent Barchead presented a revised FY26 budget to the committee and public, saying the proposal incorporated feedback from prior committee meetings and community input and noting the district would present the budget again to the Select Board and Advisory Board. "We've presented the revised FY26 budget with feedback from school committee, and the community. And this evening, we're looking for a vote," Barchead told the committee.

The budget drew brief remarks from members who said they appreciated the multiple meetings and the opportunity to review materials. One committee member urged the administration to include return-on-investment information in future presentations; the member said that would not change her vote on the current proposal but wanted more data going forward. Barchead indicated some of those ROI details would be included in the district's "blue book" for Town Meeting.

A motion to approve the FY26 budget as presented was made and seconded. The committee conducted a roll-call vote and recorded affirmative votes from members identified on the record as Borkoski, Fenwick, Gates, Lindblom and Brangelini. The motion passed and the budget was approved as presented.

The superintendent reminded the public that the district will present the budget again before the Select Board and Advisory Board in the coming week and will publish the blue book summarizing budget elements for Town Meeting.

Looking ahead, the committee and administration said they will continue outreach to the community and provide the blue book and presentation materials online for residents to review ahead of Town Meeting.