Weston Board of Education approves $61.15 million FY26 operating budget, 3.05% increase

The Weston Board of Education on Jan. 28 approved a $61,151,439 fiscal year 2026 operating budget, a 3.05% increase from the prior year.

Board members and administrators said the administration revised the proposal since the board’s previous meeting and restored funding for the district theater arts program and for cheer. Lisa Luff, speaking for the administration, described the package as a “preliminary budget estimate” that will proceed to the Board of Selectmen and Board of Finance and ultimately to the annual town meeting.

The board framed the vote as the next step in a multi-body process. “We would ask you that you would approve this budget. Again, remember, this is a preliminary budget estimate,” Luff said, explaining the document will be refined as the town review continues.

During public comment, resident Alex Haley of 42 Lords Highway told the board he had submitted two letters with detailed questions and urged caution before final approval. “I would not approve the budget today. That's my opinion,” Haley said, citing outstanding questions about health insurance and capital planning.

Board members pressed staff to explain specific drivers of increases in non-payroll benefit lines. Phil Doak, addressing a question about pension and Social Security increases, said, “The increase in, in pension is primarily attributed to non certified staff,” and noted that some grant-funded positions also carry retirement and payroll tax costs.

The board discussed program-level changes included in the operating document: restored funding for theater arts and cheer; a stated restructuring of Project Challenge (the administration said restructuring does not mean elimination); and reductions in some world-language offerings where enrollment numbers do not support separate sections. Luff and other administrators said reductions were intended to be absorbed where possible without reducing core offerings.

Several board members noted concerns about sustainability and the timing of some large, not-yet-finalized cost items, particularly health insurance. Michael Guido said he supported the budget but expressed unease about long-term sustainability and recommended future work on staffing and cost-per-student metrics.

Motion and vote: Board member David moved to approve the fiscal 2026 operating budget in the amount of $61,151,439 (3.05% increase). The motion passed on a roll call: Lisa Luff (approve), Peter Gordon (approve), Michael Guido (approve), David (approve), Sharon (approve). One member, Chad, was absent and did not vote.

The board and administration said they will continue to provide data and meet with town finance officials as the budget moves through the town review process.