Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the School Budget topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
RHAM Board presents revised FY27 budget; Marlborough’s share falls slightly with staffing reductions but no layoffs
Summary
RHAM Superintendent Colin McNamara presented a revised FY27 budget totaling $33.64 million; Marlborough’s share is 33.82% ($11,208,166 operating; $169,100 capital). The plan trims several line items, eliminates four positions, and proposes two new full‑time roles; the BOE will finalize the budget April 6.
RHAM Superintendent Colin McNamara and Marlborough’s RHAM representative Drew Golfin presented the revised FY27 superintendent’s budget to the Town of Marlborough Board of Finance on Feb. 25, 2026. The revised proposal shows $33,640,646 for operating expenses and $500,000 for capital projects, a 3.13% increase after reductions the board implemented from an earlier 4.77% proposal.
Marlborough’s share of the operating budget is 33.82%, equal to $11,208,166, and its capital share is $169,100—about $60,000 less than the current year. Dr. McNamara said the 15% line for insurance in the draft is a placeholder and that the district expects a final premium rate by mid‑March.
McNamara outlined notable cost increases and the offsetting reductions. Increases called out in the presentation include repair and maintenance ($103,530), special-education outplacement tuition ($138,441), transportation ($100,763), equipment and furniture ($62,102), and instructional and facilities supplies ($57,898). Offsets cited include savings from ten Columbia students attending RHAM ($156,380), lower magnet-school tuition ($160,959), reduced special-education purchased services ($65,053), lower technology hardware spending ($51,865), and utility savings for electricity ($33,987) and natural gas ($17,000).
The board’s reductions led to the elimination of four positions listed in the draft—three teaching positions and one school counselor—and other staffing adjustments. Dr. McNamara stated that nobody will lose employment; the changes reflect attrition and reallocation rather than layoffs.
On capital, the proposed $500,000 allocation is primarily for replacing a loading dock, catch-basin repairs and repainting parking areas. An additional $4,035 from unallocated CIP funds was noted to offset project costs. The presentation also listed upcoming bonded projects that may receive partial reimbursement, including roof and HVAC replacements, life‑safety and security upgrades, flooring and stair improvements, full-generator power for the middle school, tennis‑court and fencing repairs, expanded parking, and a wireless system replacement. McNamara said this fiscal year includes the final payment on the prior school renovation ($418,163).
Enrollment figures were described as mixed: high‑school enrollment has declined in recent years but appears to be stabilizing, while middle‑school numbers remain steady. To respond to maintenance and technology needs, the BOE proposed two new full‑time positions—a Building & Grounds Maintainer and an Instructional Technology Specialist/Coach—to support property, field maintenance and to maximize the district’s investment in technology through direct staff and student support.
Board members asked whether surplus funds could be redeployed for projects before the end of the school year. McNamara replied there were no surplus funds available for that purpose, though some funds have been applied to field work. The RHAM Board of Education will meet April 6, 2026, to approve the final proposed budget for referendum.
The Town of Marlborough Board of Finance adjourned the workshop at 7:40 p.m. after a motion by Chairperson Michael Nastri, seconded by Will Guzman; the vote was unanimous.
