Halifax School Committee Approves Revised Budget, Avoids Override
Committee reduces budget by $32,000 to align with Board of Selectmen's recommendation, streamlining town meeting approval process
HALIFAX - April 14 - The Halifax School Committee unanimously approves a revised fiscal year 2026 budget of $7,615,813, reducing the previous figure by approximately $32,000 to match the Board of Selectmen's recommendation. This strategic adjustment aims to streamline the upcoming town meeting approval process and eliminate the need for an override vote.
"If we were to amend, which would be nice for town meeting because we're still going to need the support of the town because they are using free cash to cover the difference," explains School Committee Chair Lauren Laws during the meeting.
The budget reduction comes from salary line adjustments related to teacher retirements. Business Manager Sarah Hickey clarifies that one retiring teacher had a considerably higher salary than the $70,000 average used in previous calculations.
"The retirement was a teacher who had a salary who was considerably higher than the $70,000," Hickey explains. "So we had three teachers, $70,000, $210,000. So it would be no additional cuts over what we already did."
This adjustment means the school can meet the lower budget target without implementing any new cuts beyond those previously approved.
The total appropriation of $7,615,813 carries the superintendent's recommendation. Additionally, the committee directs the superintendent to allocate $387,576 in supplemental funding from three sources: $132,705 from FY26 anticipated circuit breaker special education reimbursement, $200,000 from FY25 circuit breaker carryover, and $54,871 from anticipated FY26 grant revolving account funding.
With these additional funding sources, the final approved expenditures for Halifax schools total $8,003,389.
Committee member Kathleen Berry expresses gratitude to town officials for their collaboration in finding a solution that avoids an override.
"Thank you to the Board of Selectmen and the FinCon and everybody else that helped us figure it out without an override," Berry says.
Despite this year's resolution, committee members acknowledge ongoing financial challenges. Berry notes the importance of continued advocacy, stating, "We're going to be in the same spot next year."
Laws agrees, mentioning her recent meetings with lawmakers to advocate for increased Chapter 70 funding per student. She notes that Halifax is not alone in facing these financial challenges.
"It's comforting but also frustrating that we're not the only ones in this situation, but still hopefully we're heard and things hopefully can be better next year," Laws says.
The committee encourages community members to attend the upcoming town meeting to support the school budget.
Other business discussed at the meeting:
School flyer distribution policy: The committee debates whether to allow for-profit organizations to distribute flyers through the school. Members express concerns about equity, endorsement implications, and consistency in approvals. They decide to revise the policy to potentially limit flyer distribution to non-profit organizations within Kingston, Halifax, and Plympton.
"I think that's a good line to have," Laws says regarding limiting flyers to local non-profits. Superintendent Jill Proulx agrees to bring back revised guidance at the next meeting.
Principal search update: The committee receives an update on the Halifax Elementary School principal search. A search committee including Laws has been formed and will conduct interviews on April 24 and 25. Finalists will visit the school on April 28 and 29 to meet with students, staff, families, and administrators.
Math curriculum review: The committee learns that the core program review team is finalizing its evaluation of two math curricula: HMH and I-Ready. A decision and implementation plan will be presented at the final school committee meeting of the year.
Special Education Director search: A search committee is interviewing finalists for the Director of Special Education position this week.
Financial report: The business manager reports that the school adjustment counselor position, reduced from full-time to half-time last year, remains unfilled. The school currently uses contracted services to provide these services within the budgeted amount.
The next Halifax School Committee meeting is scheduled for May 12, though members note this date may serve as a buffer before the town meeting rather than a formal meeting if no pressing issues arise.