Union and residents press Easton School Committee after $1.8 million accounting surplus is found

Zachary Dyer, president of the Eastern Educator Association, told the Easton School Committee during public comment that the union and many staff feel betrayed after the district disclosed an $1,800,000 surplus in the FY26 accounts. "This surplus does not fix any of those structural issues," Dyer said, adding that trust in district leadership is "at an all-time low." He urged transparency and accountability as the union and community consider the impact of past budget decisions.

Superintendent Dr. Cabral said the district has sent a memo and FAQs to staff and families explaining the accounting issue and that "more information will be coming, of course, as it's available." She said Director Spagna will provide regular updates to the committee as the audit and forensic review proceed. Dr. Cabral also told members that the district met with the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) and that an integrated monitoring review of special education and civil rights is scheduled for March.

Union and community speakers pressed whether earlier decisions — including messaging about an $8 million override — would have been different had the surplus been known sooner. Dyer and other speakers said the revelation has damaged community trust and may reduce appetite for future overrides. Longtime teacher and resident Steven Searcy said he is "paying attention" and voiced support for the union's call for transparency.

The committee did not take action on any policy at the meeting in response to the comments; Dr. Cabral said the audit and the district's action plan will be reported at future committee meetings. Director Spagna and the superintendent were identified in the meeting as responsible for auditing the accounts and reporting results back to the committee.