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District reports snow‑and‑ice overrun and eyes $177,005.61 carryforward to shore up FY27
Summary
Assistant superintendent reported the district experienced its costliest snow-and-ice season in five years, will seek capital reimbursements and staff‑based offsets and is targeting a $177,005.61 carryforward from school‑choice funds to use next fiscal year if needed; a contingency meeting was proposed after May 11 town meetings.
The Hampden‑Wilbraham Regional School District’s assistant superintendent told the school committee that unexpectedly high snow‑and‑ice removal costs pushed the district over budget this year and that officials plan to cover the gap with available offsets and possible budget amendments.
“This is the most expensive snow and ice year we've had in at least five years,” the assistant superintendent said and noted staff turnover and targeted capital reimbursements from the towns will help cover some expenses (Assistant Superintendent (Speaker 3)). He told the board the district was considering moving $177,005.61 from school‑choice funds into reserves for fiscal 2027 to smooth the transition.
“We have currently in fiscal 26 $850,000 budgeted for [school‑choice] use,” the assistant superintendent said, and explained the $177,005.61 figure is a targeted amount to carry forward rather than spend this year; the district typically uses school‑choice dollars to support personnel health insurance and instructional materials.
The committee discussed scheduling a placeholder meeting at 5:00 p.m. the day after the May 11 town meetings so the board can quickly discuss strategy if a town budget fails. Chair (Speaker 2) noted both towns now hold their meetings on the same day and recommended availability for a follow‑up session.
No vote was recorded at the meeting to finalize the carryforward; presenters said amendments would be brought to the committee either late in May or at the June meeting for formal consideration.
Next steps: staff will prepare proposed budget amendments and bring back formal items for vote if needed.
