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Harvard School Committee considers $335,000 in FY27 cuts and a new superintendent support role
Summary
At its Jan. 26 remote meeting the Harvard School Committee reviewed a budget-subcommittee proposal to cut $335,000—potentially eliminating eight positions—and discussed creating a new role to support the superintendent amid increased oversight and grant workload.
Abigail Besse, chair of the Harvard School Committee, opened the Jan. 26 remote meeting and said members would address time-sensitive items because of a snowstorm.
A budget subcommittee presented a proposal to cut an additional $335,000 from the FY27 school budget, which the committee said would translate into eight position eliminations, including potential reductions in custodial staff and high school teachers and the elimination of one bus route. The subcommittee presented the cuts as a response to projected 15% increases in employee benefits, which the Finance Committee had asked the district to offset.
Why it matters: The cuts come as the district itself requested a 1.56% budget increase—below the Commonwealth’s 2.5% allowable increase without an override—which some members said shows fiscal restraint but also raises questions about sustainability. Dr. Katharine Covino, a School Committee member, said she was concerned the proposed reductions would harm students and that repeated staff reductions have strained the district’s ability to deliver curriculum and services.
Committee members discussed the role of the assistant superintendent in curriculum development and professional growth, and flagged the broader administrative burden on the superintendent. Dana Labb said he is stepping into a new role and warned that balancing those responsibilities with existing superintendent duties would be challenging, particularly given increasing oversight from the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education and time-consuming grant monitoring. Members agreed it would be beneficial to create a new position to support the superintendent and to systematize operations to improve efficiency and better serve students.
The committee did not take a final vote on the proposed budget cuts at the Jan. 26 session; members agreed to continue consideration at an upcoming meeting. The School Committee is scheduled to meet again on Feb. 9, and Ms. Besse also scheduled a Student Advisory Council meeting for Feb. 6 to solicit student input.
