Harvard committees review FY27 school budget with 1.56% increase

School Committee member Abigail Besse and member Brian Killeen presented the Harvard Public Schools’ FY27 initial budget at a joint meeting with the Select Board and Finance Committee on Jan. 12, proposing a modest 1.56% overall increase.

The presentation outlined a projected $400,000 decline in state circuit‑breaker reimbursements, driven largely by reduced costs tied to special education, and explained changes the district made to close the gap. Ms. Besse said the district used last year’s override to fund an in‑district special education teacher with a $75,000 investment; that change produced roughly $47,000 in savings in the prior year and is credited with increasing inclusion and continuity of services.

Ms. Besse also reported the district’s enrollment declined by 109 students, but the share of students with high needs rose to 25.2% (from 17.7% in 2016). To respond, the district reduced six full‑time equivalent positions, yielding about $318,000 in staffing savings, while adding a middle‑school special education teacher and a reading specialist at HES where needs are greatest. Ms. Besse summarized that, despite a roughly $725,000 revenue loss and ongoing inflationary pressure, the district’s staffing and program adjustments generated about $647,000 in special‑education savings and left the proposed budget roughly $258,000 above the allotted omnibus amount.

Killeen flagged rising fixed costs: student busing (+$42,000), the faculty TSA retirement match (+$52,000), and higher utilities (+$54,000). He said the district is working with the town’s DPW to combine service agreements and is extending device lifespans, consolidating printing, and leasing a van as part of cost‑control measures. He also called out open variables that could materially change the picture, including the outcome of ongoing contract negotiations, future COLA levels, utility cost swings, and student move‑ins or move‑outs that affect tuition and transportation costs.

Select Board member Mr. Ward asked how the budget would change if the eventual COLA exceeded the assumed 2%. Finance Committee Chair Mr. Derse raised questions about retirement and health‑insurance costs; Dawn Dunbar, the Town Hall human resources director, said the town’s benefits budget could increase about 15% in FY27 if current trends hold and that the school’s portion of the town benefits budget is about $2.3 million, or 59%.

Committee members pressed for multi‑year projections but noted uncertainty from retirements, contract negotiations and local housing developments. Dr. Linda Dwight said that new housing in Devens and Harvard could increase enrollment and help preserve programs. The joint discussion concluded and the three bodies adjourned the joint meeting at 7:35 p.m.

The School Committee will continue budget review at upcoming meetings and expects to return to FY27 planning as contract negotiations and updated enrollment data become available.