North Andover School Committee approves superintendent’s FY2027 budget recommendation and use of circuit‑breaker reserves
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Summary
On Jan. 29 the committee voted to forward a $72.2 million superintendent recommendation and to use $1.5 million of anticipated circuit‑breaker funds to support added staff and expenses, producing a near‑term program total discussed at roughly $73.7 million.
The North Andover School Committee voted unanimously on Jan. 29 to accept the superintendent's recommended FY2027 budget and the committee's proposed offset using circuit‑breaker funds to bridge projected gaps.
Superintendent Lathrop framed the proposed budget as one that "preserves all of our services" while adding targeted staff and resources. She outlined key items in the recommendation: one additional elementary teacher, one middle school teacher, three special‑education positions, one assistant principal, three teaching assistants, library support staff (non‑FTE), an increase in the daily substitute rate to $125, and equipment and transportation requests. The superintendent said the recommended operating request to the town manager is $72,200,000 and that the committee proposed using $1.5 million of anticipated circuit‑breaker reimbursement to support a total program level near $73.7 million.
Finance review included the district's ongoing exposure to special‑education placement costs and a circuit‑breaker audit that reduced future reimbursements by $167,528, which the administration reflected in updated projections. Committee members discussed fiscal prudence, the need to build a case for any future override, and the importance of multi‑year strategic planning and data to support larger funding requests.
A committee member moved to accept the superintendent’s recommended budget as presented; the motion was seconded and approved by roll call with all present voting yes. The committee's recommendation will proceed to the town's budget process and appear on the warrant for town meeting consideration in May. The chair emphasized the committee's intent to continue transparency on risk areas and to work on an override plan for FY2028 if necessary.
No immediate budget transfers were requested at the meeting; staff will continue to refine cost‑center reporting and follow up with budget liaisons.