Wakefield Public Schools begins budget season; district proposes March 14 budget workshop

District staff announced the start of Wakefield Public Schools’ budget season and provided the school committee with a draft budget development document and timeline.

Christine told the committee, “we are in budget season,” and said the packet contains a budget development process and timeline. She said staff began work in November and will continue through town meeting in May, describing the timeline as a "living document" subject to revision as the district coordinates dates with the town and the finance committee.

Christine and other committee members discussed holding a full Saturday workshop in March to allow extended discussion and coordination with town counterparts. The date under consideration is Saturday, March 14; Christine said the district would need to confirm availability with the finance committee and town council. The committee agreed the in-person Saturday format used last year was valuable and expressed support for repeating it.

The superintendent and subcommittees reported additional planning activity: the finance and facilities subcommittee reviewed draft timing and facility staffing updates and expects to arrange a tour of the new high school before the end of the calendar year. Committee members asked that department heads be included in upcoming budget meetings after the January break.

Next steps include finalizing meeting dates with town partners, scheduling the proposed March workshop if agreed, and continuing subcommittee work through January and February ahead of town meeting.