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Marlborough finance board reviews MES FY27 budget; seeks follow-up on several cost items
Summary
At a Feb. 9 special workshop, the Town of Marlborough Board of Finance heard MES Superintendent Holly Hagman outline a proposed FY27 school budget with a 3.57% operating increase and about $135,000 more for capital; the board requested follow-up on day tank details, RBT salaries, and audit costs.
The Town of Marlborough Board of Finance on Feb. 9 heard a presentation from Holly Hagman, Superintendent for the MES Board of Education, on the proposed fiscal year 2027 school budget, which would raise operating spending by 3.57% and increase the capital plan by roughly $135,000.
Hagman told the board the operating increase is primarily driven by salaries and benefits, which account for about 85% of operating costs, and the proposed budget uses a 15% placeholder for the town’s health insurance consortium. The presentation included three Registered Behavioral Therapist (RBT) positions—previously partly funded by a three-year state grant—that are now included in the operating budget, a new head custodian position, and a shift from two principals to a configuration of one principal and one vice principal. The budget also includes outplacement for one student and a placeholder for a higher salary in the Spanish teacher position because it is a shortage-area role.
On capital spending, Hagman identified three notable items: demolition and rebuild of the second-grade wing egress at a cost near $160,000 (the project is not state reimbursable), a $30,000 project manager to assist the Building Committee with scope and financial planning ahead of a referendum on roof, HVAC and electrical upgrades, and a roughly $20,000 replacement of a day tank sensor/full pumping mechanism. Hagman also said textbook and online math program subscription renewals are driving costs; the textbook payment will be split over two years.
Board members asked Hagman to provide additional details on the primary and secondary day tank locations and the current sensor status, and requested RBT salary breakdowns and the total ongoing cost to the district for funding the three RBT positions. Hagman noted that $5,000 was added to the cost of the school audit and that the town may go out to bid for a new auditor, which could change that estimate. She also reported enrollment projections are flat despite ongoing residential development, and that state grants cover the cost of Chromebooks.
Procedural action recorded at the end of the workshop shows Mr. Nastri moved to adjourn the meeting at 7:42 p.m.; Mr. Guzman seconded and all voted in favor. The minutes were submitted by Board Clerk Debby Rihm.
What happens next: Hagman is expected to provide the requested follow-up figures (day tank specifics, RBT salary totals and audit bid details) to the Board of Finance to inform further budget deliberations and any recommendations the BOF makes ahead of subsequent hearings or a referendum on capital work.
