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Sharon Board of Education confronts $69,477 budget shortfall; art teacher vacancy could cover portion
Summary
At a May 20 special meeting the Sharon Board of Education discussed a $69,477 reduction to the 2026–27 budget, heard public concern about program and staffing impacts, and agreed to ask the Board of Finance for direction; a recent art teacher resignation could free $42,261.
The Sharon Board of Education on May 20 discussed a $69,477 reduction that must be covered in the 2026–27 budget and heard parents and residents urge clarity about the long-term plan for the school.
Veronica Betts told the board she was "frustration, sadness and confusion" about the budget and what the end game and long term big picture is for the school, and Aimee Couture said she had moved back to Sharon so her two daughters could attend Sharon Center School and shares those concerns. Board member Terry Vance asked why the budget materials were not more specific about how cuts would affect programs and staffing; Principal Carol Tomkalski and other board members said those impacts had been discussed at prior meetings and at the Town Hearing.
Principal Tomkalski reviewed the specific figures the board is working with: a total reduction of $69,477 that must be resolved for 2026–27 and an art teacher resignation that would free $42,261 in salary and insurance costs that the board could repurpose. Superintendent Melony Brady-Shanley said the Board of Education was awaiting a motion from the Board of Finance to provide direction; the BOF did not make that motion at its recent meeting.
Chair Philip O'Reilly presented a proposal for the board’s consideration, but the board did not make a motion to pursue it during the special meeting. The board tasked its Communications Committee to write a letter to the Board of Finance asking for direction on how to close the gap.
During a second public-comment exchange, Betts said any compromise should come from the Board of Finance rather than the Board of Education; board attendee Jill Drew suggested the BOF may be waiting for the final figure for unexpended funds before acting.
Board member Nancy Hegy Martin left the meeting at 5:17 p.m. A motion to adjourn was made by Peter Birnbaum, seconded by Cathy Winburn at 5:25 p.m., and the motion carried unanimously. The minutes were submitted by Board Clerk Cindy Webb.
