Ashland committee approves $44.35 million FY2026 budget; approves Quebec trip, school-choice slots

The Ashland School Committee on April 9 approved a $44,350,743 operating budget for fiscal year 2026 after a public hearing and extended votes approving an out-of-state student trip, expanded school-choice slots and other routine school business.

Superintendent Jim Adams opened the hearing by describing the multi-month budget process and the district's priorities, including maintaining staffing and increasing program opportunities. "We have to understand that it needs to be fiscally responsible, but meeting the needs of our kids," Adams said during his presentation.

Adams told the committee and the public the $44.35 million request is the amount the committee is asking taxpayers to fund; the district's full operating cost is about $48,787,000 when federal and other non-tax revenues are included. Adams said the proposal represents a 5.95% increase over last year's amount presented to taxpayers and that roughly 79% of district spending is salaries.

During public comment the Ashland Music Association thanked the committee and administrators for recent investments in music, urged the committee to consider funding instrument maintenance (about $6,000 annually, the association said) and praised the district's award-winning ensembles. Diane Umholtz of the Ashland Music Association said the group would welcome modest help to cover instrument repair so the association can focus its fundraising on new instruments…