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Charlton Select Board recommends Dudley‑Charlton FY27 budget after district presentation
Summary
After a presentation by Dudley‑Charlton administrators, the Charlton Select Board voted to recommend the district's FY27 operating budget (about $64.9 million; ~4.35% increase) to voters. The presentation noted changes to federal entitlement grant guidance and capital needs; the Select Board's recommendation was unanimous.
The Charlton Select Board voted April 14 to recommend the Dudley‑Charlton Regional School District’s FY27 operating budget following a presentation by district leaders.
Superintendent and district finance staff presented Version 3.0 of the FY27 operating request, describing a total operating budget of approximately $64.9 million — a year‑over‑year increase of roughly $2.7 million, or about 4.35 percent. Administrators highlighted several key budget drivers: an assumed Chapter 70 increase of about $75 per student, updated guidance on federal entitlement grants (district staff reported an initial 25% reduction instruction that the state later moderated to roughly 7–10%), stable transportation reimbursements under current expectations, and level‑service assumptions for supplies and technology. District officials also noted capital and debt‑excluded items, including prior bonds used for fire-panel replacement and school roofs; the district plans separate public outreach on capital priorities and a potential debt/loan authorization ballot question if warranted.
The district provided detail on class‑size averages (K–8 roughly 21 students per classroom), the district’s use of excess and deficiency to smooth operating impacts year‑to‑year, and capital timeline planning (a possible September town vote for capital projects if timelines hold). Administrators said they had preliminarily adjusted entitlement grant assumptions after state guidance and would continue to manage federal grant reductions within the district budget where possible.
After questions from Select Board members about capital timing and budgeting assumptions, the board took a voice vote to recommend the budget as presented and the motion passed unanimously. The recommendation will be reflected in the town’s meeting materials and voters will decide on warrant articles at the upcoming annual town meeting and election process.
District officials encouraged board members and residents to contact district finance staff for more detailed analysis and noted plans for public forums on capital needs in the summer.
