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Committee hears FY26 budget presentation showing 4.2% increase; explores town support for snow removal
Summary
The Orange Elementary School Committee reviewed its FY26 budget (a 4.2% increase), discussed transferring snow removal responsibility to the town to reduce school costs, and closed the public hearing; the committee will vote on a final budget in April/May to allow Town‑district negotiations before Town Meeting.
Chair Mallory Ellis opened the FY26 public hearing at 6:35 p.m. Michele reviewed the budget book and identified areas reduced or adjusted since the prior presentation, noting the proposed budget represents a 4.2% increase over the previous year.
Dr. Lewis and committee members discussed operational details and pointed to several line items under review. During the hearing, members asked whether the Town could assume responsibility for school snow removal to lower district expenditures; the committee agreed to explore that option with town officials. Michele highlighted that the budget timeline is designed to allow Town and district leaders time to discuss and agree on a final budget before Town Meeting.
Chair Ellis closed the FY26 public hearing at 7:39 p.m.; the motion to close was made by Josefa Scherer and seconded by Frank Hains. The committee expects to take a formal vote on the budget in April or May.
