Weston board hears $62.16 million FY2026 budget proposal; schedules two public forums

The Weston Board of Education on Jan. 6 reviewed a proposed FY2026 operating budget that requests an increase of $2,817,666 (4.75%), bringing the districtoperating budget request to $62,157,367, and a capital request of $1,016,000.

"Tonight, our administrative team will present the proposed 2026 budget," Superintendent Lisa Barbiero said at the start of the presentation, framing the document as the basis for multiple workshops and public forums this month.

Why it matters: The proposal lays out staffing changes and curriculum investments intended to respond to modest enrollment declines, rising benefits costs and classroom needs across Westonschools. The board set a schedule of workshops and two public forums to gather community feedback before a targeted adoption date at the end of January.

The operating request and drivers Phil Cross, director of finance and operations, told the board the district is seeking a $2,817,666 increase representing a 4.75% rise in operating spending and a total operating budget request of $62,157,367. The districtis planning around updated enrollment projections presented Nov. 20, 2024 by Mike Zuba of AP Planning Group that show a modest net decline of 33 students districtwide; the largest drop is projected at the intermediate school (23 fewer students), which the presentation said results in the reduction of two grade-level sections.

The presentation noted the board follows "Board of Education class size guidelines" (listed in the presentation as 18 to 20 students for kindergarten and first grade, and 20 to 24 students for grades 2through 12) when determining staffing.

School-by-school highlights - Hurlbut Elementary: Principal Laura Katas said the school is planning for 20 classroom sections in grades Kthrough 2 and will continue four preschool classes. The school requests 0.8 FTE…