During public participation the council heard concerns from students and residents about school funding and staffing.

Becky Murray said the high school lacks adequate nursing coverage and teachers. “The school needs more money,” she told the council, adding that some Advanced Placement and U.S. history sections have about 28 students and that grading and individualized attention suffer when class sizes are large.

Later in public comment, a resident identified as George advised young speakers to raise budget questions with the school board and district leadership because school staffing and budgets are primarily controlled by the school district rather than the town council. "We can't tell them what to do with their money or the town council can't," he said, urging residents to attend board of education meetings.

Mary Rose Deverica praised the council's efficiency and urged clearer budget language to improve transparency and earlier public engagement so residents better understand the town and school budget process.

Councilors and staff acknowledged the distinction between town and school budgets and said the upcoming budget season will involve both town and board of education processes; staff encouraged public participation and slated earlier outreach during the budget cycle.