Newburyport School Committee previews FY27 budget, schedules public hearing

Assistant Superintendent Lisa Furlong and Finance Director Ethan Manning presented the Newburyport Public Schools’ preliminary FY27 budget at the School Committee business meeting on March 25, 2026. The pair outlined three scenarios for a potential increase to the city appropriation — 5.2 percent, 5.0 percent and 4.75 percent — and explained cost drivers and budget development strategies as the district prepares a final request.

Furlong described projected elementary class sizes and said staff are examining options to manage enrollment and class-size impacts. Manning reviewed the primary budget pressures the district expects in FY27 and the lines that are driving year-over-year increases, including personnel and special education-related costs. The presentation noted steps the district is taking now to contain costs and to prioritize classroom supports.

The committee was told a public hearing on the FY27 budget will be held on April 8, 2026, when members of the public can comment before final recommendations are submitted to the City. No vote on the budget occurred at the March 25 meeting.

The presentation materials included a five-year look at city-appropriation trends and a grade-by-grade enrollment breakdown for 2025–2026; the student representative report for the meeting was provided as an attachment.