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Summers schools ask for $31.6M, citing awards, curriculum purchases and technology upgrades
Summary
School officials presented a $31,598,192 budget request (3.68% increase) that funds curriculum purchases including a $90,000 reading program, $232,000 in hardware replacement and investments in in-district special education programs to avoid costly outplacements.
Sam Galloway opened the school district's presentation by framing the budget as an investment with measurable returns and highlighted recent recognitions: the middle and elementary schools received statewide honors and the high school was named a school of distinction. He presented a proposed district budget of $31,598,192 for 2026–27, an increase of 3.68 (about $1.1 million).
Galloway told the finance board the district is purchasing the third edition of the CKLA reading program, a $90,000 expenditure, and moving third graders from iPads to Chromebooks as a cost-saving and testing-preparation measure. During Q&A he confirmed the Chromebook and device purchases are budgeted in the equipment capital outlay (section 734) and staff estimated the hardware replacement line for all devices at about $232,000.
Galloway also described in-house special-education capacity: six programs serving roughly 40 students, which the district believes reduces higher out-placement costs. He noted staffing decisions — including maintaining two counselors after a retirement — were driven by building-level presentations and subcommittee vetting.
On staffing counts, the district projected 266 staff positions (265 current), and enrollment for 2026–27 was projected at about 1,323 students, up from 1,299 as of March 2. The district said salaries and benefits are the largest portions of the budget (salaries and benefits together account for just over 80% of the district's budget allocation).
Galloway answered an editorial-style question citing a Stanford study critical of devices in classrooms by noting the district must provide devices for state assessments and that Chromebooks are less expensive than iPads. "So we did move to the Chromebooks ... less expensive," he said, adding that the district also values face-to-face instruction.
Board members and district staff discussed capital needs and a large HVAC project (discussed as an HBAC/HVAC grant) with presenters noting a state grant award that will cover a substantial share of project costs and reduce the town's capital obligation. The school presentation concluded with the district answering board questions and offering to add an FAQ to its website for follow-up inquiries.
The board accepted the school presentation for review; no final vote on the school appropriation occurred at the March 10 meeting. The school budget will proceed through the same public hearing and referendum schedule the town follows.
