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Beverly leaders outline FY27 "stretch" budget as state aid remains uncertain
Summary
Superintendent Peter Cushing and finance director Emma Pugliese told a joint City Council–School Committee meeting the district faces rising special-education and benefits costs and requested roughly $1.29 million in additional "stretch" funding to restore classroom and support positions while urging continued state advocacy.
Superintendent Peter Cushing and Director of Finance Emma Pugliese presented the Beverly Public Schools' FY27 budget overview to a joint meeting of the Beverly City Council and School Committee on March 18, stressing rising special-education costs, wages and benefits as the primary budget drivers.
Cushing said district leaders are seeking long-term fixes at the state level but must plan locally. "The child that is in front of us today is different than it was 15 or 20 years ago," he told elected officials, urging investment in more student supports and staffing.
Pugliese framed the budget numbers: wages, compensation and benefits account for roughly 80% of school spending; out-of-district tuition is a growing line item; and current program fees (transportation,…
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