Superintendent presents FY27 budget timeline, survey participation and facility savings

Superintendent Dr. Peter Cushing presented several districtwide items to the school committee on Jan. 14, including the FY 2027 budget timeline, a federal survey selection, cost‑savings examples and the superintendent evaluation rubric.

On the calendar and budget, Cushing asked the committee to approve a 2027 start‑date plan so families could be notified: two professional development days on Aug. 31–Sept. 1, grades 1–9 beginning Sept. 2 (with a virtual day for grades 10–12), all students returning Sept. 3 and kindergarten/preschool beginning Sept. 8. The committee voted to approve the start date with the understanding that the full calendar will return for final approval in a few weeks.

Cushing said Beverly High School was randomly selected to participate in the National Youth Tobacco Survey. Participation is optional; parents will receive letters and the survey typically takes about 12–15 minutes with approximately eight classes selected. "The school will be given a $750 honorarium," he said, to be used at the principal's discretion.

Cushing also noted maintenance staff performed an in‑house repair on a Field House floor issue that likely saved an estimated $5,000 compared to contracting the work. He presented the superintendent evaluation rubric and said DESE focus indicators would guide formative feedback. Cushing asked committee members to review rubric resources and suggested the committee might consider a retreat to discuss evaluation and school‑finance matters further.