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Easton Board of Education adds $1 million to 2026–27 budget to cover rising health-care claims
Summary
The Easton Board of Education voted 6-0 on March 19 to increase the 2026–27 budget by $1,000,000 after the superintendent reported higher-than-expected employee health-insurance claims and reviewed insurer projections; the board discussed staffing and program reductions to present to the Board of Finance.
The Easton Board of Education voted 6-0 on March 19 to amend its proposed 2026–27 budget by adding $1,000,000 to address higher-than-expected employee health-insurance claims, raising the proposed budget to $23,078,621, a 10.79% increase from the previous year.
Dr. Jason McKinnon, Superintendent, told the board the district’s long-standing practice of using operating funds and prior-year reserves to cover claims will not be sufficient this year. He said claims for the remainder of the 2025–26 budget year are higher than expected and that without a transfer from 2025–26 reserves the district faces about a $1.0 million shortfall.
McKinnon reviewed projections from insurance broker Brown & Brown: a January projection of $3.6 million for fiscal 2026–27 that was revised in March to $3.3 million. He said the Board of Education’s current healthcare line is $2,368,706. To illustrate budget options, McKinnon presented four scenarios with incremental cuts — ranging from trimming $80,000 to $360,000 by reducing staffing, activity stipends and, in the largest cut scenario, the district Spanish program — and noted projected kindergarten enrollment could affect section counts and staffing needs.
Board members discussed next steps before taking a formal vote. Board member Zannetti asked whether ideas should be brought to the Board of Finance next week. Board member Wible said the BOE needs to add $1 million and seek reductions so the Board of Finance understands the district’s position. Board member Madeo cautioned that the proposed cuts “won’t make much difference” and that families will be upset; Board member Falzone said the healthcare increase is a reality and that the narrower cuts under consideration are preferable to eliminating larger programs such as music, art or media. McKinnon added that the regional ER9 budget for Easton showed a 1.81% decrease ($254,030).
Falzone moved — Madeo seconded — to amend the 2026–27 budget by adding the $1 million for anticipated healthcare costs. The motion passed, 6-0. The board agreed McKinnon will draft a letter to the community explaining the budget changes, and members said they intend to prepare possible reductions to present to the Board of Finance at its meeting next Wednesday.
The special meeting was adjourned at 7:02 p.m.
