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Falmouth school officials present FY27 budget plan, open public hearing on 5.8% request
Summary
Superintendent and finance director presented a FY27 budget proposal asking for a 5.8% increase to $64M; the committee opened a public hearing and fielded questions about special‑education costs, legal fees, and capital priorities.
Falmouth Public Schools officials presented the proposed FY27 budget and opened a public hearing on the plan, which would raise the district’s spending request to approximately $64 million, a 5.8% increase from FY26.
Finance lead Paul said the request reflects growing special‑education costs, salary step and cost‑of‑living adjustments, increased non‑salary expenses and targeted security investments. He singled out $206,000 for districtwide security—about $88,000 of which would pay for camera software tied to a high‑school command center—and noted funding for a school resource officer and two safety monitors. Out‑of‑district tuition and transportation were identified as volatile drivers; Paul projected out‑of‑district tuition increases and said the circuit‑breaker reimbursement amount is calculated a year in arrears.
The superintendent emphasized the budget aligns with district priorities—safety, high achievement and program growth—and described plans for a Welcome Center, expanded world language and a phased move to cover special‑education costs within the regular budget rather than drawing on stabilization funds.
During public comment, residents asked about legal fees, visitor policies and how teacher contract negotiations factor into the budget. The committee moved, seconded and voted to open the FY27 budget public hearing and invited comments limited to two minutes per speaker.
Next steps: Paul will present final budget materials for a vote at the next school committee meeting; the public hearing record will remain open for comments sent to the district.
