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Orange committee trims proposed FY27 increase, hears concerns about central-office costs and lost grant funding
Summary
At a public hearing, district staff described reductions to the proposed FY27 budget (from 4.72% to 2.16%), noted a $40,000 loss in grant funding, and explained Title I is level-funded; residents pressed for clearer charts and questioned central-office increases and snow-removal responsibilities.
Mallory Ellis opened the FY27 budget public hearing and Michele (district staff member) reviewed the budget book, highlighting areas reduced since the prior presentation. At the committee’s request the administration trimmed the proposed initial increase from 4.72% to a 2.16% increase for FY27. Michele said Title I funds will be level-funded and that the district is losing about $40,000 in grant funds for the coming year.
During public comment, Denise Andrews said she would like materials distributed in advance and questioned why central-office costs had grown; Michele attributed some increases to cost-sharing on health insurance negotiated through the town. Karen Perkins asked why the district pays for snow removal; Michele explained that the town clears Dexter Street while the district is responsible for clearing school property (including water and sewer on school grounds). Perkins also suggested charging tuition for preschool; Michele said that, if the district charges tuition, "it will be taken off of chapter 70," as described in the hearing.
Michele explained Net School Spending using a household analogy, describing NSS as the minimum level the district must budget and noting the town views NSS as the baseline while the administration prefers budgeting above that number. Leanne Lovell asked that Michele present a pie chart at Town Meeting to make the budget clearer for residents. Mallory closed the hearing at 7:14 p.m.
Why it matters: The trimmed proposal and the loss of a $40,000 grant both affect resource allocation for classrooms and services. Residents requested clearer visualizations and advance materials to understand central-office increases and service costs. The committee may consider these requests during budget finalization and at Town Meeting.
What to watch next: The committee's budget vote at future meetings and whether administrators provide the requested pie-chart breakdown for Town Meeting.
