Quabbin committee reviews a 7.52% preliminary budget increase and approves field trip, procurement appointments

The administration presented a preliminary fiscal-year 2027 budget of $43,887,444, which represents a $3,068,155 (7.52%) increase over the prior year. Budget staff cited enrollment declines, rising goods and services costs, increased substitute expenses, technology refresh needs, and three pending union contract negotiations as primary drivers of the increase. The administration said it has already reduced 16 FTEs over two years and instituted a midyear freeze to manage spending.

Committee members discussed outreach to town residents and ways to improve understanding of budget drivers ahead of town meetings; suggestions included targeted flyers, PTO presentations, student-led outreach and social-media campaigns. The administration scheduled additional budget meetings and a public hearing in March to review adjustments and assessments.

On routine business, the committee approved warrants and reported that the district's E&D figure was certified. The committee voted to approve an overnight Decker field trip to Boston for a state conference competition with the usual proviso. The committee also unanimously appointed Lisonbee Pelasier (spelling per packet) and Kevin Clark as chief procurement officers for the Quabbin Regional School District.

At the meeting a motion to approve minutes and warrants earlier carried with two abstentions (Doctor Allen and Peck); the field trip and procurement appointments passed without recorded roll-call opposition.