Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Fy27 Budget topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
FY27 budget shortfall narrows after governor's proposal; School Committee prepares for Feb.–Mar. hearings
Summary
Administrators reported a projected FY27 deficit reduced to $660,000 after the governor's budget, lowering required local cuts from $335,000 to $251,000; the Finance Committee and Select Board will review cuts with a Tri-Board meeting and a March 9 budget hearing scheduled.
School administrators reported to the Harvard School Committee on Feb. 9 that the district's projected FY27 budget deficit has narrowed to $660,000 after adjustments tied to the governor's budget. The administration said this change reduced the district's required local cuts from $335,000 to $251,000, pending any override vote; administrators characterized the revised approach as preserving half of previously planned staff reductions by offering part-time alternatives instead of full-time layoffs.
Dr. Linda Dwight said the approach would "maintain service levels, though it would require hiring part-time staff who might or might not choose to take benefits." The Finance Committee was scheduled to review the proposed cuts the following day and the Select Board is expected to make a final decision in early March. Chair Abigail Besse said she planned to advocate at an upcoming Tri-Board meeting to preserve a 65% allocation from the omnibus funding formula.
Committee members discussed how reinstating some positions as part-time could reduce disruption but raised questions about long-term staffing stability and benefit impacts. The committee scheduled a March 9 budget hearing and final budget vote; administrators said additional budget adjustments and public hearings will precede any final approval.
The committee asked for continued updates and clarity on the number and type of positions affected; the administration said exact staffing impacts were not specified at the meeting.
