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Town of Bedford Finance Committee hears $53.6 million FY27 school budget proposal
Summary
Bedford Public Schools presented a proposed FY27 budget of $53.6 million — a 3.08% increase — driven by teacher contract salary increases and higher transportation and special‑education costs; the administration proposed tiered reductions, use of $490,000 from a special education stabilization fund, and staffing reductions to contain the increase.
The Town of Bedford Finance Committee on Jan. 29 heard a presentation from Bedford Public Schools on a proposed FY27 budget totaling $53.6 million, a 3.08% increase (about $1.6 million) over FY26.
Superintendent Cliff Chuang and Julie Kirrane, director of finance for Bedford Public Schools, told the committee the increase is driven primarily by contractual salary increases in teacher contracts, higher special education transportation assessments and rising general education transportation costs. "The current balance of the Special Education Stabilization Fund is $650,000," Mr. Chuang said, and the FY27 request includes $300,000 to cover unforeseen special education expenses.
The presentation detailed tiered reductions and operational changes intended to contain the increase. Tier One reductions are estimated to save about $1.0 million and reduce approximately 11.5 full‑time equivalent positions; Tier Two reductions would save about $575,000 and reduce about six full‑time positions. Presenters said revenue tiers and offsets would provide roughly $830,000 of relief, including a proposed $490,000 draw from the Special Education Stabilization Fund to offset non‑discretionary special education cost growth above 2.5%.
Committee member Allen Jimmerson said he opposes activity fees in principle but understands why they are used. "I do not like activity fees, but understand why they are necessary," he said. Mr. Chuang confirmed a confidential waiver process is in place for families who need fee relief and that the process would continue under the proposed fee structure.
When asked how the tiers would be implemented, Mr. Chuang said the reductions would occur simultaneously. He also said the administration is examining future enrollment trends, advocating for additional revenue, and reviewing how fixed costs are allocated between the School Department and the Town.
The Finance Committee did not take a formal vote on the FY27 budget at the meeting; members thanked the presenters and the School Committee for the work and indicated the committee will review the budget and the draft Annual Town Meeting warrant (29 warrant articles currently in Dropbox) in more depth in February after budget meetings conclude.
In routine business, the committee approved minutes from the Jan. 8 and Jan. 15 Finance Committee meetings. Mark Bailey moved to approve the minutes; Allen Jimmerson seconded. The roll call vote was unanimously in favor (6‑0‑0). Later, Mr. Jimmerson moved to adjourn and Mr. Bailey seconded; the adjournment motion also passed on a unanimous roll call and the meeting ended at 8:36 p.m.
The committee requested a model update to include the FY26 AVR SF Tax Bill line, which is currently blank in the shared financial model. The minutes were submitted by Rheanna Lanoie and recorded as approved at the Feb. 5, 2026 Finance Committee meeting.
