Hull School Committee Approves Budget Proposal, Teacher Contract
3% Increase Sought for FY26; New Three-Year Agreement Reached with Teachers
HULL - January 27 - The Hull School Committee has proposed an $18,390,420 budget for fiscal year 2026, representing a 3% increase over the previous year. The committee also unanimously approved a new three-year contract with the Hull Teachers Association, ending nearly a year of negotiations.
School Business Administrator Diane Saniuk presented the budget proposal at the committee's Jan. 27 meeting. The proposed increase of $535,643 aims to support district priorities including enhancing student success, professional development, and expanding educational offerings.
"We really prioritize high-quality curriculum, instruction, and support services to promote academic achievement, social-emotional development for all students," Saniuk said.
The budget breakdown shows 77% allocated to salaries, 7.94% to non-salary special education costs, and 4.28% to non-special education transportation. Smaller portions cover technology, instructional supplies, maintenance, and utilities.
Saniuk noted a trend of diminishing grant funding, with the town's share of the budget increasing as a result. "Reality is there's expensive education. We rely on a variety of funding sources," she said.
Committee member Kyle Conley expressed support for the proposal. "I'm very impressed and grateful that you both have managed to put together, I think, a really sound budget looking forward that is very much bringing us back to those priorities," he said.
The budget will be posted publicly and discussed at future meetings before a final vote. A public hearing is scheduled for April, with the Advisory Board reviewing it in March.
In other business, Superintendent Michael Jette announced the approval of a new contract with the teachers' union.
"We are happy to say that we voted unanimously to approve the MOA. So at this point, we have a new three-year contract with the HTA, which is great news for the district, great news for the administrators and the teachers," Jette said.
The agreement comes after 364 days of negotiations, according to Maura Jones of the Hull Teachers Association. "I am happy to report that we have voted to ratify the changes to the CBA," she said.
Committee Chair David Twombly praised the collaborative effort, particularly highlighting member Liliana Hedrick's involvement. "There's no I in team, it was a group effort," he said.
The meeting also included updates on the district's middle school integration efforts. Jacobs School Principal Kyle Shaw and Assistant Principal Jessica Scott reported on initiatives to create a distinct middle school experience within the elementary building.
"We are trying to replicate that experience as best we can within the same building by trying not to just create new physical space, but an overall experience that looks and feels different than what the students experienced at the elementary level," Shaw said.
Efforts include new furniture, collaborative spaces, and programs like a "House Cup Challenge" to build community among middle school students.
At the high school level, Principal Rob Shaw discussed the integration of 8th-grade students, reporting positive feedback from a student survey.
"94% of the responding 8th graders answering in an affirmative or positive way about their experience on the school bus," Shaw said.
The committee also heard a presentation on professional development plans from Christine Cappadona, Director of Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment. A new committee will analyze staff survey results and assessment data to plan future professional development offerings.
In a personal announcement, Twombly shared he will not seek re-election after 15 years on the committee. He reflected on accomplishments during his tenure, including hiring superintendents, overseeing facility improvements, and supporting athletic achievements.
"I'm just kind of entrusting the school committee to this group right here. So hopefully you guys carried the ball forward," Twombly said.