Rockport School Committee unanimously approves FY27 operating budget

The Rockport School Committee voted unanimously to approve the proposed FY27 operating budget after a public hearing and a line-by-line presentation from district leadership.

Dr. Branco introduced the budget book and explained how costs were presented, noting that the book lists the proposed operating budget as $17,000,007.28. She told the committee that some costs traditionally borne by the district will be transferred to the town's Department of Public Works next year; "that $558,100, which is the amount of money that will be transferred, is listed as an offset to show everybody cleanly how we get to our final operating budget," she said. The committee closed public comment (none offered) and approved the budget on a unanimous voice vote.

The budget presentation linked the proposal to the district's strategy for improvement and highlighted program investments. "We have over 50 clubs and activities across the district," Dr. Branco said, and she emphasized both arts participation and STEM expansion as priorities. The book also includes an enrollment snapshot (629 in-district students as of Jan. 23 plus 20 out-of-district placements) that leadership cited when describing capacity and program decisions.

Next steps include scheduling meetings with the town select board and finance committee, publishing a final bound budget book for distribution to town offices and the public library, and posting the PDF on the district website.

The vote and motion were handled during the meeting; the committee recorded the approval as unanimous.