Select Board declines last-minute $1.08 million amendment to restore K5 world-language program

Select Board members decided not to advance a last-minute budget amendment that would have added $1,079,213 to the School Department budget to preserve the K5 world-language program.

Bob Miller, a town meeting member, proposed the amendment and argued the program has been locally funded through prior overrides and that the town should preserve core educators while the community considers long-term support. "If it completely goes away, it's going to be really hard to build something back," Miller said.

Board members pressed Miller for a clear funding source and noted municipal budgeting norms that rely on conservative revenue projections and the towns established free-cash practices. Several members, including Select Board member David Perlman, said a recurring program should not be funded from one-time or uncertain sources. "Any proposal to make such a significant budget cut or add a recurring expense without identifying where the funds would come from is not sound fiscal practice," Perlman said.

Members also highlighted pedagogical and staffing issues that had been raised in School Committee deliberations, including difficulty in staff recruitment and mixed evidence about the program's long-term effect on language competency. The board noted that, if additional funds were given to the School Committee, the committee would retain discretion over spending.

After discussion, the board moved no action on the amendment; the motion carried unanimously. Chair Bernard Green thanked Miller for bringing the issue forward and encouraged continued conversation at town meeting and in school committee forums.