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Somers Board approves FY27 budget cuts after referendum loss; next vote set for June 16
Summary
After a failed referendum, the Somers Board of Education unanimously approved FY27 budget reductions that trim unfilled positions, stipends, extracurricular funding and deferred capital purchases; district leaders warned the cuts exhaust much of the remaining cushion and a new referendum is scheduled for June 16, 2026.
The Somers Board of Education on June 8 approved a package of FY27 budget reductions after the district’s budget failed at the most recent referendum and the Board of Finance directed a $474,510 reduction.
Superintendent Dr. Sam Galloway told the Board the central office and building leaders reviewed options intended to limit direct impacts on student learning while meeting the requested reduction. The plan reduces or delays unfilled and vacant positions, lowers some stipend and professional development budgets, trims funding for clubs that have not been running, reduces building maintenance and capital outlays (including science lab furniture and certain technology refresh cycles), and defers non‑emergency repairs and purchases.
"We’ve worked hard to protect daily student learning," Galloway said, describing the reductions as chosen to minimize classroom disruption while noting the district has already made cuts in recent years. He warned the Board that "there will eventually be a tipping point" if reductions continue.
Director of Business Services Stephanie Levin reviewed the district’s May financial snapshot, saying the balance as of May 31 was about $241,000 (including excess cost reimbursement) and the district planned to freeze roughly $100,000 of those funds while closing purchase orders and final bills. Levin said the projected year‑end balance is currently expected to be about $100,000 pending the December audit.
Levin also summarized the cumulative fiscal pruning the district has undertaken: the three rounds of reductions now total $894,164, and the Board of Finance’s most recent direction specified a $474,510 cut to the proposed FY27 budget. Board members repeatedly raised concern that cuts to paraeducator positions and other supports could produce long‑term costs if students require more costly outplacement services.
Board member Shane Manning moved the FY27 Budget Reduction motion; Anne Kirkpatrick seconded it. The motion carried on a voice vote recorded as Yea 9, Nay 0.
During public comment, community member Lisa Horan urged voters to support the budget and pressed the Board for clearer public information on the budget process, history and specific impacts. Horan said the reductions were "penny wise and pound foolish." Superintendent Galloway responded that legal guidance prevents the district from using public funds or district communication channels to advocate for the budget, and that staff who speak publicly must do so as private citizens and not use district email or resources.
The Board also reviewed scheduling: if no budget is adopted by July 1, the current year’s budget remains in effect while the town proceeds to another referendum. The next Budget Referendum is scheduled for June 16, 2026 from 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Town Hall.
Votes at a glance: the Board approved prior meeting minutes for May 26 (Yea 9–0) and May 28 (Yea 8–0, Abstain 1), approved a Puerto Rico student field trip (Yea 9–0), accepted recommendations for non‑union salary adjustments after executive session (Yea 9–0), and approved the consent agenda (Yea 9–0).
