Scituate School Committee reviews $48.3M FY26 operating budget; committee preserves staff and adds $210,217 from forecast

Scituate — Superintendent Birkhead presented a proposed FY2026 operating budget of $48.3 million to the Scituate School Committee at a public hearing Monday evening, saying the plan holds existing staff in place, restores targeted spending for curriculum and facilities and incorporates an additional $210,217 in revenue identified after the committee’s prior meeting.

Birkhead opened the hearing by calling the proposal “a reflection of your values,” and said the plan “avoids teacher staff layoffs and a potential override” while prioritizing competitive salaries, professional development and building maintenance.

The budget is driven by personnel costs and grant revenue. Birkhead told the committee that roughly 79–80 percent of the operating budget pays salaries and benefits and that the district also expects about $4.2 million in grants and revolving account revenue, putting the full budgetary picture near $52 million when those funds are included.

Why it matters: The presentation preserves classroom staffing and district programs while asking the committee to approve modest restorations and reclassifications after earlier belt-tightening. Committee members pressed district leaders on how the money will be used for curriculum adoption, technology and data systems that the district says will help teachers target instruction.

Key figures and changes - Proposed FY26 operating budget: $48.3 million (operating); total budget including grants and revolving funds roughly $52 million, according to the presentation. - Additional revenue: The financial forecast committee identified $210,217 after the committee’s prior meeting; the superintendent proposed using that sum to restore several line items. - Staffing: No new full-time equivalent positions were added to the FY26 operating budget overall; the…