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Superintendent presents level‑service $78.15M FY2027 school budget; staffing and Parker project highlighted
Summary
Dr. Jay Lang described a level‑service FY2027 Chelmsford Public Schools budget of $78.15 million, a $2.5 million increase, and emphasized staffing needs amid rising elementary enrollment and a Parker Middle School building project forum set for March 19.
Dr. Jay Lang, superintendent of Chelmsford Public Schools, told the Finance Committee on Feb. 26 that the district’s FY2027 superintendent’s recommended operating budget is a level‑service request of $78.15 million, an increase of approximately $2.5 million over FY2026. The proposal preserves existing programs and staffing while accounting for negotiated steps and other contract accelerators.
Lang described the budget as a “no-frills, level-services” document intended to fund personnel and non‑personnel items at current service levels. He said some budget relief comes from offsets: a projected $300,000 credit from Valley Collaborative and expected circuit breaker and revolving fund reimbursements that are baked into the proposal.
The superintendent emphasized staffing as the district’s primary unmet need. Lang said October 1 enrollment rose by about 60 students year‑over‑year and that growth is concentrated at the elementary level; he warned that increased elementary enrollment will feed into middle and high schools over time and that expanding special‑education programs will require additional teachers and paraeducators.
Lang also updated the committee on the Parker Middle School building project. He said the next community forum is scheduled for March 19 at the Elks to discuss grade configuration and to present plans before the district submits the next phase to the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA). Schematic design and cost estimating are planned between May and October, with a preferred program and budget to follow community review.
Members asked about substitute rates, recruitment and retention. Lang said the district reviews substitute pay and aims to remain competitive; currently the district is in the top third of local rates and does not propose increases this year. The presentation included state context about net school spending and per‑pupil figures from DESE; Lang said Chelmsford exceeded its required net school spending by about 30% in FY2024.
The Finance Committee took no vote on the school budget at this meeting; the presentation informs upcoming public budget hearings and tri‑board discussions.
