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 for math intervention and 1.5 FTE for reading intervention; the presentation said some curriculum materials that were funded centrally last year will move to the Hurlbut budget this year, increasing the schools instructional supplies line.

- Weston Intermediate School (WIS): Principal Patty Falber reported a projected enrollment of 455 (down 23), a proposed reduction of two classroom sections (one each in grades 3 and 4), and a 0.7 FTE reduction in special subject teachers tied to that staffing change. Falber said WIS will shift about $20,000 for reading consumables and an additional $13,000 for classroom library books into the school budget next year as the new reading program enters its second year.

- Weston Middle School: Principal Dan Doak said the middle school expects 463 students next year (down 11). The school will preserve its teaming model and 24 sections of core classes while making a net 0.6 FTE reduction across staffing driven in part by a restructuring of general music and Spanish; Doak also noted a continued 1.0 FTE math specialist and plans to replace aging Chromebooks for grades 6through 8.

- Weston High School: Principal Megan Yamada outlined plans to sustain a broad course catalog, expand early college course opportunities and introduce a focused algebra course to address algebra proficiency. Yamada said this will be the final year for the districts Chinese program as the school re-evaluates language offerings. The high school requested two additional assistant coaches for outdoor track and baseball.

Curriculum and instruction investments
Assistant Superintendent Dr. Tina Henkel described multi-year curriculum investments, including continued rollout of Illustrative Math in Kthrough 8 and expansion of American Reading Company (noting Hurlbut is in its second year and WIS in its first). Henkel said the district plans summer curriculum academy work on newly released K12 social studies standards, health and physical education, and a required K12 computer science plan. The presentation detailed a proposed restructuring of Curriculum and Instruction Leader (CIL) roles to add small-group intervention at K5 and a master teacher section at the secondary level to strengthen in-class modeling and teacher collaboration.

Special education and student supports
Director of Pupil Personnel Services Tracy Edwards said special education staffing will remain largely consistent, with two ELC paraeducators moved to full-time elementary para roles at Hess and a 0.2 shift of a reading specialist position into special education at the middle school. Edwards said contracted services costs will stay similar to the current year but that out-of-district tuition is increasing based on current placements; the FY26 budget does not include tuition contingency amounts.

Salaries, benefits and bargaining obligations
Director of Human Resources Julie Gavoni said salaries and benefits comprise roughly 79% of the budget request. The presentation showed total salaries of $36,751,232 (about 59% of the budget) and benefits totaling $12,558,229 (about 20%), with benefits projected to increase 21% over the current year. Gavoni said rising health insurance costs are the largest driver; employees participate in a high-deductible plan with HSA, and for FY26 the board will contribute 50% of employee HSA deductible contributions. The presentation listed collective bargaining salary provisions the district is budgeting for in the third year of existing contracts: AFSCME 2.5% general wage increase plus step movement; Weston Teachers Association (WTA) a 0.77% general wage increase plus step movement and a 2.5% general wage increase for employees at maximum step; and the Weston Administrators Association (WA) a 2.5% general wage increase.

Capital priorities and facilities
Director of Facilities Michael Del Maestro said the initial FY26 capital request is $1,016,000. Security was highlighted as a continuing priority (noted as year two of a $330,000 request). Del Maestro also referenced districtwide energy-efficiency projects tied to sustainability goals and said the capital plan remains fluid to allow for unforeseen needs.

Timeline, public engagement and next steps
The board discussed and scheduled workshops and public forums to gather community input before a planned adoption date. The presentation and board discussion set these near-term dates: daytime workshops (Jan. 7, Jan. 16 and Jan. 27), two evening public forums on Jan. 15 and Jan. 23 (the board decided to hold one forum in person and one remotely and to hold both at 7 p.m.), and a target of adopting the budget by Jan. 30. The board asked residents and members to submit written budget questions to the superintendent by Jan. 10; Lisa Barbiero asked board members to email questions as they arise to allow staff time to research and post answers.

Building project timing: Del Maestro and board members said the timeline for any large building project would likely extend beyond FY26; they told the board the earliest realistic submission for state reimbursement would be June 2026, with a state reimbursement decision expected in December 2026.

Votes at a glance
- Motion to adjourn: moved (not specified), second (not specified); outcome: approved by voice vote (ayes recorded; names not specified).

The board will continue review of the FY2026 request at scheduled workshops and public forums and has asked staff to supply additional documents and answers to board questions before final consideration later this month.