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Finance Committee told school budget faces large increase; superintendent and committee working on reductions

2097665 · January 9, 2025

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Summary

The Finance Committee was briefed that the school department’s proposed budget includes a 7–7.5% increase; the superintendent and school committee are developing a list of reductions and reallocations ahead of further budget hearings.

Finance Committee liaisons reported Jan. 8 that the Needham public school department proposed a budget with a 7 to 7.5 percent increase for the coming fiscal year, a level that town officials said will be difficult to fund within the town’s revenue envelope.

Committee members said the superintendent and the school committee are working to identify reductions; presenters noted the proposed increase reflects contractual salary items, benefits cost growth and programmatic items such as special-education out-of-district transportation, curriculum items (including a literacy curriculum initiative) and replacement Chromebooks. Members noted the town is statutorily required to present a balanced budget and that final positions may depend on negotiations and subsequent town-manager and Finance Committee review.

Presenters said the school committee was voting on reductions over the course of the week and that the Finance Committee and town manager will review any updated school proposal as part of the town’s budget process prior to town meeting.