Easthampton school panel approves $922,603.50 in cuts after override preserved most programs

The Easthampton School Committee voted to amend its level‑service budget on a roll‑call vote, adopting reductions totaling $922,603.50 even after a successful override that preserved most school programming, the superintendent said.

Superintendent Dr. Balch told the committee the override ‘‘saved a vast majority of our programming, sports, athletics, clubs, and staff,’’ but that the district still must implement targeted reductions. ‘‘We still have to cut $922,603.50 from our budget,’’ she said, adding that staffing—about 68 percent of the district budget—will bear the largest share of reductions.

The committee moved the amendment and recorded a roll call that resulted in six votes in favor and one abstention. Eric Guyette was recorded as abstaining because a member of his immediate family works for the district; the committee noted the abstention as a conflict rather than a policy objection.

Why it matters: The cuts come after voters approved an override that district leaders said prevented much larger reductions. Committee members and the superintendent framed the amendment as a difficult but necessary step to balance the FY27 plan while keeping core programs running.

Public input and community concerns

During public comment, resident Kira Hener urged the committee to avoid ‘‘expecting the schools to cut more than $900,000,’’ saying such reductions ‘‘will compromise the programs, services, and education that are essential to our students.’’ The committee closed public comment after hearing her remarks.

Programs preserved and changes ahead

Dr. Balch said the override allowed the district to maintain athletics and most after‑school clubs. She gave specific figures for athletics: the district’s annual cost for the full complement of athletic programs is about $360,000; gate receipts and student fees generate roughly $200,000, leaving a net district subsidy of about $160,000 a year.

The superintendent also described planned position conversions intended to transform the middle school schedule and curriculum. Rather than adding net new positions, the district will convert some retirements into roles such as world‑language teachers, scheduled band and chorus classes, and two STEAM teachers (one for middle school and one for elementary). Dr. Balch said the changes are designed to improve equity and provide more consistent course offerings across grades.

Board business and votes at the meeting

• Chartwells contract: The committee approved exercising a one‑year renewal option with Chartwells for food‑service management for FY27.

• Year‑end transfers: Trustees authorized the director of business services to complete budget transfers as needed to close out FY26.

• Donations and funds: The committee accepted $2,500 raised at a May 30 electronics‑recycling event to the Chromebook repair revolving account, and accepted community donations earmarked for the We the People program (amount reported in the transcript as “$44,3726,” see note).

Next steps

Committee members said they will keep working through personnel decisions, recall offers and resignations over the summer, and continue to seek grants and other revenue sources to lessen future cuts. The committee scheduled its next regular meeting for July 21 at 6 p.m.

Note on transcript numbers: the meeting transcript contains inconsistent formatting for several dollar amounts (for example the donation for the We the People program is recorded in the transcript as “$44,3726”); the committee approved receipt of the donations as reported at the meeting and staff provided corrected accounting as part of year‑end closeout work.