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Bourne School Committee previews $27.8 million FY2026 budget, schedules public hearing
Summary
Superintendent Kerri Anne Quinlan-Zhou presented a draft $27,772,498 FY2026 budget (a 4.2% increase), describing assumptions and unknowns and calling proposed staff reductions 'right sizing' while saying student services will continue; a budget hearing is set for Feb. 26.
Bourne — The Bourne School Committee received a FY2026 budget preview on Feb. 5 from Superintendent Dr. Kerri Anne Quinlan-Zhou, who outlined a draft operating budget of $27,772,498, a 4.2% increase over the current year.
Dr. Zhou told the committee the draft relies on several assumptions — current enrollment levels, the governor’s budget, anticipated collective bargaining agreements and offsets — and faces uncertainties including unanticipated expenses, school choice tuition, circuit breaker reimbursements and potential military mitigation or additional grants. She described proposed staffing changes as a form of “right sizing” intended to align staffing with lower enrollment while maintaining student services.
Committee members pressed for detail on classroom impacts. Kari MacRae asked whether reducing homerooms in sixth and seventh grades from eight to six would increase class sizes; Dr. Zhou and Christine Borning said total enrollment in those grades is down and projected class sizes would trend toward about 18 students (compared with roughly 14 this year). The committee heard that students will remain organized on four-teacher teams covering both grades to preserve instructional continuity.
Chair Emily Berry said the committee will add a formal budget hearing to its Feb. 26 workshop so the committee can approve the draft in time for a presentation to the Bourne Selectboard on March 4.
The superintendent’s presentation listed the timeline, reallocations and connections to school improvement planning; the district will continue to monitor revenue and grant opportunities as it develops the proposed budget for formal votes later in the spring.
