Blackstone‑Millville committee certifies $32.78M FY27 budget; towns assessed

The Blackstone‑Millville Regional School Committee voted March 5 to certify a $32,784,477 operating budget for fiscal 2026–27 and to apply state receipts and other reimbursements that produce the net assessment figures sent to the towns.

Interim superintendent Jill Pilgarani and finance director Kristen Donado presented the FY27 proposal, citing enrollment of about 1,400 students, modest increases in English‑language learners and students with special needs, and budget pressures including an anticipated near‑15% rise in health‑insurance costs and rising tuition for collaborative placements. Donado said total expense requests amount to $32,784,477 and outlined state receipts of $13,578,082 that offset the gross operating number.

The committee first adopted a gross operating budget motion ($30,325,614 as presented) and then voted to apply reimbursements — Chapter 70 state aid, regional transportation, school‑choice receipts and charter reimbursements — producing the total operating budget of $32,784,477. Motions were carried by voice vote.

Why it matters: the committee also approved how the district will use one‑time reserves. Members voted to apply $500,000 from the district’s Excess & Deficiency (END) account to lower the assessment to towns for FY27. Donado said using $500,000 would leave a projected year‑end END balance in the 3.5–4.7% range depending on final figures, and several members cautioned that END is not a recurring revenue source.

Votes at a glance: the committee voted to assess $12,318,568 to the town of Blackstone and $3,819,835 to the town of Millville for operating costs; capital and interest assessments were approved (Blackstone $322,898; Millville $153,43 as transcribed). The panel also approved transfers into each town’s OPEB trust ($76,520 for Blackstone; $23,480 for Millville) and a separate $50,000 contribution from END toward district OPEB obligations for FY27. All motions carried by voice vote; individual roll‑call tallies were recorded as 'I' for in favor in the meeting transcript.

Context and next steps: the committee noted the budget remains a working document until the towns’ meetings and the district can further refine lines. Donado said the district will publish a budget book and attend selectmen and finance‑committee meetings prior to the towns’ annual meetings (Milville May 11; Blackstone May 26). Several members urged earlier public hearings in future cycles so residents have more opportunity to comment before certification.

The committee closed the public hearing on the FY27 budget and proceeded to other business. The district emphasized that while END use reduces the assessment this year, future budgets should not assume the same level of one‑time reserves without further planning.