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School committee approves FY27 operating budget of $73.4 million amid enrollment decline and rising special‑education costs
Summary
The School Committee voted to set the FY27 operating budget at $73,404,152 (a $2.94M, 4.17% increase). Superintendent highlighted salary costs, rising out‑of‑district special‑education tuition and transportation escalation as primary drivers; the committee discussed restoration of previous cuts and potential bus‑fee modeling.
The Westborough School Committee voted to set the FY27 operating budget at approximately $73.4 million, a $2,937,363 increase from the prior year representing 4.17% growth.
Superintendent Allison presented the budget package, describing salary as the primary cost driver and noting negotiated steps, lanes and a placeholder for cost‑of‑living adjustments accounted for in the proposal. She told the committee that enrollment has declined modestly, creating some opportunities for efficiencies in K–3 staffing, but that special‑education tuition (particularly out‑of‑district placements) and transportation costs have sharply increased and are significant pressure points on the budget.
Key figures presented: proposed operating budget $73,404,152; proposed increase $2,937,363 (4.17%). Allison said the district projects 30 out‑of‑district special‑education placements for FY27, down slightly from 33 this year, but that per‑student tuition rates have increased. Transportation escalation includes contracted in‑town bus increases and higher out‑of‑district transportation costs; the superintendent said the district continues to review contracting arrangements to find efficiencies.
Committee member Steve moved to approve the FY27 budget amount while noting that detailed line items will be completed as contract settlements are finalized; the motion carried by voice vote. Committee members asked staff to clarify language in the budget book indicating that some requests listed as “unfunded strategic priorities” were not granted within this budget and to provide a clearer breakdown of restoration scenarios (estimated $398,000 in last year’s restorations referenced).
Committee discussion also covered facilities and capital placeholders such as roof work (A/B roof replacement) and possible MSBA engagement, preschool enrollment strategies, and bus‑fee modeling as a potential revenue option (staff noted constraints tied to state rules and eligibility). Next steps: final line‑item details to be updated as contract settlements are reached and staff to provide requested clarifications in the budget documentation.
