Orange committee approves $8.77 million FY26 budget but flags grant-dependent staffing risk

The Orange Elementary School Committee voted unanimously April 14 to approve a proposed FY26 budget of $8,767,664.

Michele explained that the budget preserves current staffing by shifting some positions onto anticipated grant dollars (identified in the meeting as rural aid and a "240 Grant FY26"). She cautioned that the district is approximately $425,000 above Net School Spending and that there are no guarantees those grants will continue into FY27; if the grants are not available at opening of school or in early fall, staff reductions could be required.

On motion by Josefa Scherer and seconded by Crystal Clarke, the committee approved the proposed budget; roll call was taken by Mallory Ellis. Committee members asked follow-up questions about supply lines and were told spending down current supply lines is underway to prepare for next year. Michele said the budget has been submitted to the town and no feedback had been received at the time of the meeting.

The committee did not record vote tallies beyond unanimous approval.

Next steps: The approved budget will be submitted as the district’s FY26 proposal; staff indicated ongoing monitoring will be required if grant awards change.