HALIFAX - December 8, 2025 - Facing a tight fiscal year, the Halifax School Committee received a sobering look at the FY27 budget, where a “level funded” scenario would force the elimination of two faculty positions and significantly increase class sizes. While a “level service” budget aims to maintain current standards, officials warned that the town’s financial constraints might require difficult choices, prompting the formation of a town-wide Override Study Committee.
The Full Story
Superintendent Jill Proulx and Director of Finance Sarah Hickey presented the preliminary FY27 budget earlier than usual, aiming to give the town a clear picture of the district’s needs. The presentation contrasted two scenarios: “Level Service” and “Level Funded.”
The Level Service budget—designed to maintain current educational standards—projects an appropriation of approximately $7.77 million, representing a 1.4% increase over the previous year. Administrators argued this is the minimum needed to support student needs and the district’s improvement strategy.
However, the Level Funded scenario—which assumes no increase in the town’s appropriation beyond standard fixed cost adjustments—would limit the budget to approximately $7.61 million.
“This will require... the reduction of 2.0 faculty positions at Halifax Elementary School. Please note we are not recommending these reductions.” — Jill Proulx, Superintendent [00:08:41]
Superintendent Proulx detailed the grim impact of such cuts, specifically noting that class sizes in Grade 3 could balloon to 30 students. The cuts would likely impact one grade level teacher and one specialist.
Select Board Chair Jonathan Selig attended the meeting to pitch a solution: a new Override Study Committee. Selig warned that Halifax, like many surrounding communities, is “bracing for tough financial times”.
“Let’s get some folks from different parts of our community... and try and get ahead of it as much as possible to give the town information as to what a possible override would look like.” — Jonathan Selig, Select Board [00:15:15]
Selig requested a School Committee representative to join the group to ensure the school’s needs are accurately represented. Vice Chair Jessica Page volunteered to serve on the committee.
Despite the somber financial outlook, the meeting highlighted a major success: Halifax Elementary was recognized as one of only nine schools in the state to recover to pre-pandemic achievement levels in English Language Arts (ELA).
“It’s just an incredible accomplishment... that’s the hard work and the dedication to the teachers, the paraprofessionals, and the people that are working very, very hard,” Principal Brian Prehna said while presenting the MCAS data. The district received a formal recognition letter from the Commissioner of Education for this achievement.
Why It Matters
For Halifax parents and taxpayers, the FY27 budget discussion signals a pivotal year ahead. If the town cannot support a “Level Service” budget, the direct result will be fewer teachers and larger classes for elementary students. The formation of the Override Study Committee suggests that town officials are seriously considering asking voters to approve a tax increase (Proposition 2½ override) to bridge the funding gap and prevent these service reductions.
Official Minutes & Data
Key Motions & Votes
Motion: To take the agenda out of order for the budget presentation.
Outcome: Passed
Vote: Unanimous [00:02:06]
Motion: To take the agenda out of order for the Override Study Committee discussion.
Outcome: Passed
Vote: Unanimous [00:14:25]
Motion: To accept the PTO donation of $7,000.
Outcome: Passed
Vote: Unanimous [00:23:22]
Motion: To accept the proposal to change the cafeteria substitute rate to Step 1.
Outcome: Passed
Vote: Unanimous [00:27:34]
Motion: To support the contract changes as presented and allow the Chair to sign.
Outcome: Passed
Vote: Unanimous [00:28:32]
Motion: To accept the changes in the HTA (Halifax Teachers Association) MOA.
Outcome: Passed
Vote: Unanimous [00:28:43]
Motion: To approve the Letter of Understanding with the Halifax Police Department (SRO).
Outcome: Passed
Vote: Unanimous [00:29:48]
Motion: To waive the second read and approve policies (ADA, ECAB, EFBA, GBEBC, JJF, KBE, KBF, KI).
Outcome: Passed
Vote: Unanimous [01:13:33]
Public Comment
No public comment was heard during the meeting.
What’s Next
Override Study: The new committee will begin meeting immediately to assess the feasibility of an override for the upcoming fiscal year.
Budget Vote: The School Committee did not vote on the preliminary budget tonight, opting to wait for more concrete numbers from the state and town.
Next Meeting: Scheduled for January 26, 2026.
Source Video: Area58_Halifax