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Athol–Royalston committee approves FY26 general fund budget and town assessments
Summary
Administrators presented a FY26 general fund request and the committee voted to approve the $34,792,94 general fund figure, separate town assessments for Athol and Royalston, and the use of $50,000 from excess and deficiency funds to support next year’s operations.
Administrators presented the Athol–Royalston Regional School District’s FY26 general fund request and the school committee voted to approve the budget and related town assessments.
Matt and Nancy led the public hearing and budget presentation, saying the packet reflects net changes of $150,751: two paraprofessional positions, a districtwide BCBA, additional professional development, special-education costs and software, offset by revenue adjustments including Medicaid, school choice, and a grant. They described a general-fund request of $34,792,94 and a total budget near $38.8 million across all funds.
Why it matters: presenters identified special education and transportation as the largest cost drivers for FY26, plus salary and health insurance increases (noting a shift to a 70/30 employee/district participation structure and recent contribution changes). They said the district absorbed portions of transportation costs to limit the percentage increases charged to the member towns.
Key numbers and local impact: administrators reported a drop in the district’s low-income grouping from 11 to 10, which reduces state aid and represents a $956,647 loss in revenue for FY26. The committee reviewed town-level assessments as presented: Athol’s total assessment was listed as $563,530 (about a 3.8% increase from FY25) and Royalston’s as $85,482 (about a 6.3% increase). Presenters also relayed an email from House Ways and Means indicating Chapter 70 funding would remain steady for now, so no further adjustment from that source was anticipated.
Actions taken: the committee moved and seconded separate motions to approve the FY26 general fund number, the Town of Athol assessment, the Town of Royalston assessment, and the use of $50,000 from certified excess and deficiency funds as a funding source for FY26. All motions were adopted by voice vote.
What’s next: with the votes, district leaders said they can proceed with planning to operate schools next year under the adopted budget; administrators will provide any final documentation required for the member towns’ records.
