Hopkinton school committee opens public hearing on $67.19 million FY2026 budget

The Hopkinton School Committee opened a public hearing on its proposed FY2026 school department budget of $67,190,630 at its Jan. 16 meeting. The motion to open the hearing was made by Kyla, seconded by Susan, and approved by voice vote.

Superintendent (name not specified) said the recommendation on the budget has not changed since prior joint meetings with the appropriations committee and the select board. Finance staff member Mrs. Rodemich read a slide that broke the recommended increase into several categories: contractual obligations, inflation and current services ($2,569,000; 4.07%); special education ($489,000; 0.78%); instructional costs and enrollment growth ($650,000; 1.03%); and administration, support and facility enhancements ($335,000; 0.53%). The presentation described the total FY2026 requested increase as roughly $4.0 million, approximately a 6.41% year-over-year increase.

The committee left the hearing open to allow public comment through 7:35 p.m.; no public speakers appeared during the window and the committee later voted to close the hearing. The superintendent and staff told members that state aid figures and insurance information remain outstanding and that the recommended budget could be adjusted as those numbers are finalized. The committee will meet next week to consider approving a budget to forward to the town manager and through the town's budget process.

Members encouraged residents to review materials posted with the town manager and to submit questions; a town official present said the select board will discuss the budget at its next meeting and the town manager's packet is posted online.

Ending: The committee will return to the FY2026 budget at its next regular meeting, when it may vote to finalize a budget to send to the town manager; staff said further state information could change line items before town meeting.