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Thompson Board tables FY27 budget after administration revises proposal to nearly $24 million
Summary
At a Feb. 2 budget meeting, the Thompson Board of Education tabled approval of the FY27 proposed budget after administrators presented a revised $23,932,673 plan — a 9.9% increase — and sent the item to the finance subcommittee for further review.
Chairman Jessica Bolte called the Thompson Board of Education to order Feb. 2 at Thompson Middle School and said the board would consider a revised FY27 budget presented by district staff.
Superintendent Melinda Smith and William Steglitz reported a revised FY27 proposed budget that adds $323,000 for pupil services and $21,000 for pension contributions, bringing the total to $23,932,673 — a 9.9% increase from the previously presented figure.
The revision prompted board members to delay final approval. Board member Justin Yong moved to table the vote on the budget until after the finance subcommittee meets Feb. 3; Board member Matthew Polsky seconded. The motion passed unanimously.
During the public-comment period, resident Cindy Bastis asked whether federal grants could cover updates to high school lockers, security cameras and kitchen equipment. Chairman Jessica Bolte replied, “there are no grants for these items at this time, but the district will always continue to look for grants.” Resident Steve Herbert urged the board to develop a comprehensive list of essential needs for the Board of Finance and to maintain a contingency; he also said the increase in teacher salaries is not 7.7 percent but closer to half that amount. Board member Rick Medeiros said Superintendent Smith had already reduced the original budget by $400,000 and expressed concern that the special education budget may run a deficit that would require transfers from general education.
The board took formal action only to table final approval and later to adjourn. The budget will return to the finance subcommittee for additional review on Feb. 3 before the board considers adoption.
