Thompson Board approves $23.93 million FY2027 budget while flagging rising special-education costs

On Feb. 26, 2026, the Thompson Board of Education unanimously approved a $23,932,673 operating budget for fiscal year 2027 and a proposed capital line equal to 0.5% of the budget, listed in the minutes as $120,000. The motion to approve the budget was made by Justin Yong and seconded by Danielle Caverly; the minutes record the vote as "passes. Unanimous." The board also approved a procedural motion to move the budget presentation earlier on the agenda.

Board discussion centered on rising demand and costs for special-education services. Chairman Jessica Bolte opened questions after a presentation by Dr. Christopher Jones; board members said the district is seeing increased need tied to demographic pressures, Department of Children and Families placements, homelessness and expulsions, trends they said mirror statewide patterns. The minutes record an updated total of 203 open positions districtwide and cite a shortage of qualified special-education staff. Board members said salary competition from neighboring districts limits the district’s ability to serve some students in-district and contributes to more costly outplacements.

William (Bill) Steglitz presented a draft FY2027 operating total of $23,932,673, saying the budget showed an increase of just over $200,000 versus the prior draft driven primarily by special-education changes, including incoming students and students moved to outplaced placements. The minutes note the district budgets outplaced students at current-year actuals and that several changes would be made to the presentation before the Town meeting on March 5.

Superintendent Melinda Smith reported on school operations and accreditation preparations, saying schools reopened after recent snow days and that the district had submitted an article to the Villager thanking staff and partners, including DPW member Joe Tkacik, bus drivers, families and custodial and facilities staff. She also said a six-member NEASC accreditation team would be onsite Sunday through Wednesday for a full accreditation visit at Tourtellotte Memorial High School.

During citizens’ comments, Amanda Gotting urged the district to consider alternatives to LifeTouch school photography and told the board she had emailed Superintendent Smith with further details. The meeting adjourned at 7:24 p.m. on a motion by Kristin Schultz, seconded by Matthew Polsky.

The board’s approved FY2027 operating total and the district’s continuing special-education staffing pressures were the primary outcomes recorded in the minutes; the draft presentation will be updated ahead of the March 5 Town meeting.