Auburn School Committee approves FY26 draft budget and several routine items; sends budget to town

The Auburn School Committee voted to approve a FY26 draft budget that the superintendent presented as a 5.7% increase over the FY25 amended school budget, representing an increase of $1,795,994.10, and to forward the draft to the town for consideration.

During the discussion the superintendent noted the draft has not changed since the last review and reiterated that the proposed budget will still require town approval and could return to the committee depending on town action. A committee member asked whether the budget included new positions; the superintendent confirmed two new positions are included: a special education teacher and a speech pathologist listed under pupil services.

The motion to approve and send the FY26 draft to the town was moved and seconded from the floor; the roll call consisted of the verbal “Aye” from members and the chair announced the motion carried. Committee members acknowledged the need to communicate enrollment variables and other uncertainties to town officials.

In separate routine actions the committee approved minutes from the Dec. 18, 2024 meeting and approved budget transfers dated Jan. 2, 2025 and Jan. 8, 2025 as presented by the business manager. The committee also approved the motion to adjourn at the meeting’s close.

Votes at a glance: - Motion to approve minutes (Dec. 18, 2024): approved (voice vote of “Aye”). - Motion to approve FY26 draft budget (5.7% increase; $1,795,994.10): approved and forwarded to the town (voice vote of “Aye”); superintendent noted the draft remains subject to town review. - Motion to approve budget transfers dated Jan. 2, 2025: approved (voice vote of “Aye”). - Motion to approve budget transfers dated Jan. 8, 2025: approved (voice vote of “Aye”). - Motion to adjourn: approved (voice vote of “Aye”).