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Easton finance director warns of tight budget year after FY26 cuts; software limits hamper reporting
Summary
New finance director Joe Scagna told the Easton School Committee that FY26 reflects about 44.8 positions cut and a $1.8 million (3.6%) cost increase tied to contracts and fixed costs; he urged improved financial software and process changes to free encumbered funds and deliver monthly reports beginning in January.
Joe Scagna, the district's new finance director, told the Easton School Committee on Nov. 12 that the district is entering a tight budget cycle even after recent cuts.
Scagna said the district has recorded an approximately $1,800,000 increase — about 3.6% from FY25 to FY26 — driven mainly by contractual obligations and fixed costs such as utilities. He said roughly 44.8 positions were removed from the FY26 budget and projected that, unless revenue changes, FY27 will likely be level-funded.
Scagna outlined operational steps he has taken since arriving: evaluating the district's financial software, cleaning up payroll encumbrances that tie up budget lines, and reviewing whether to use requisitions or the current purchase-order (PO) process. He said an initial goal is to open encumbrances so funds can be used where needed and to provide a more granular monthly report starting in January.
On procurement, Scagna said the current system cannot handle attachments or an internal budgeting module, requiring much work in spreadsheets and raising the risk of human error. He said the district has explored enterprise resource planning and budgeting products but that those replacements require additional time and resources.
On expenses, Scagna said purchased services are up as the district contracted to fill services while positions remain open. He reported year-to-date spending at about 11% of the budget through September, similar to last year when seasonal timing and lump-sum payments affect pacing. Scagna told the committee he will begin staff training on PO procedures and continue to work with town finance staff to improve turnaround for warrants and payments.
The committee had no motion tied to Scagna’s report; members asked clarifying questions about PO expedites and timing, and a student representative raised concerns about seniority-based layoff practices that intersect with the budget conversation.
