Sandwich committee approves FY26 transfers to cover special-education and assessment costs

The Sandwich School Committee approved three FY26 budget transfer requests on April 29 that reclassified existing budget savings into areas with unanticipated costs.

Officials explained the transfers: (1) move savings from underused codes into contracted services to pay for additional special-education supports; (2) reallocate funds into testing and assessment to cover assessment bills; and (3) shift salary funds to cover negative salary codes caused by staff changes and reassignments. Michelle, the director of finance and operations, said the moves are housekeeping measures to align budget codes and do not change the district's overall bottom line.

Committee members pressed for clarity on where funds would come from. Dr. Miller asked whether the funds represent the same staff changing positions; presenters said some moves reflect staff changing buildings while others represent savings in teacher salary codes that were available to cover special-education expenses. The budget presentation also noted rising tuition assessments and utility overages during the fiscal year, with utilities described as about $300,000 over projections while the overall bottom line showed a modest positive balance.

A motion to approve the transfers was made by Miss Benenda and seconded by Miss Goodwin; the roll-call vote passed 6'0to'''''''''' 0. The administration said some balancing across codes will reduce custodial and maintenance flexibility but will keep the overall budget in balance for FY26.

No additional transfers were requested at the meeting; the committee will continue to monitor special-education placements and utility costs heading into FY27.