KINGSTON — February 2, 2026 — The Kingston School Committee is navigating a high-stakes financial balancing act following a public budget hearing where town leadership warned that the current 4.82% school budget increase could trigger a Proposition 2.5 override. While Selectman Carl Pike challenged the district to find $200,000 in reductions to help stabilize town finances, the Committee ultimately moved to maintain its “Level Service” assessment for now, citing concerns over classroom sizes and a desire to see the full municipal financial picture before making deep cuts to staffing.
The Full Story
The meeting opened with a Public Budget Hearing specifically focused on the FY27 financial plan. Selectman Carl Pike, representing the Board of Selectmen, delivered a pointed challenge to the committee. He noted that while the schools are not the primary “determinant” of the town’s financial strain—citing a projected 14% spike in medical insurance costs as the main culprit—he urged the school department to trim its current $16.3 million request. Pike suggested a 3% to 3.5% increase instead of the proposed 4.82%, which would require approximately $200,000 in reductions.
“I’m challenging the Selectmen, Finance Committee, and now the schools to work with me to try to get to the point where we don’t need a two and a half override. A 200k reduction isn’t going to materially impact the average size of the classroom.” [02:14] — Carl Pike, Kingston Board of Selectmen
The Committee’s reaction was cautious. Member Jeanne Coleman acknowledged the shift in student population, noting the district is down roughly 60 students following the closure of a local hotel used for temporary housing. However, later in the meeting, Finance Director Sarah Hickey presented three options: a Level Service budget (4.82%), a 2.5% increase budget, and a Level Funded budget. Hickey revealed that a 2.5% budget would necessitate cutting three full-time teachers (two at Kingston Elementary, one at Kingston Intermediate), one paraprofessional, and $83,000 in curriculum and technology funds.
Committee members expressed discomfort with these cuts. Member Jesse Keith noted that even under “Level Service,” some class sizes at the Intermediate school are already at 23–24 students, and a reduction would push those numbers higher. Ultimately, the Committee directed staff to use the 4.82% figure for an upcoming joint assessment meeting, arguing it is easier to “go down” later than to try to “add back” money once a lower number is publicized.
School Safety and Identification
The committee addressed a recurring concern from parents regarding school security and visitor identification. Superintendent Dr. Jill Proulx reported that while lanyards for staff are not a formal policy issue according to the MASC, they are a contractual expectation that has been in place for over 15 years. The district has recently moved to purchase matching lanyards for all staff at Kingston Elementary School (KES) and Kingston Intermediate School (KIS) to ensure they are easily identifiable to students.
The discussion highlighted a “loophole” in current procedures: while visitors are scanned through the “Raptor” background check system during school hours, parents expressed concerns that some visitors, such as maintenance workers, were not consistently wearing visible ID. Member Jesse Keith emphasized that safety must be “first and foremost,” even for known individuals, suggesting that the “buzz-in” procedure needs to be more rigorous.
Administration & Curriculum Updates
The district introduced Stefani Hatton as the new Business and Finance Director, who will take over as Sarah Hickey prepares to depart at the end of the month. On the educational front, Assistant Superintendent Dr. Tricia Clifford announced that the district is preparing to pilot two new ELA (English Language Arts) programs, Amplify CKLA and Wonders, between February and May. This initiative is supported in part by a PRISM grant, which Clifford confirmed will also provide funding for implementation and professional development in the coming year.
Why It Matters
For Kingston residents, the outcome of these budget deliberations will likely dictate whether the town faces a tax override ballot question this spring. The Committee’s decision to hold at a 4.82% increase reflects a priority on maintaining current staffing levels and student-teacher ratios despite the town’s broader fiscal pressure from rising insurance costs.
Official Minutes & Data
Key Motions & Votes
Motion: To open the public budget hearing.
Vote: 5-0 ([00:52])
Motion: To close the public budget hearing.
Vote: 5-0 ([10:44])
Motion: To approve the consent agenda.
Vote: 5-0 ([01:14:35])
Motion: To approve the school committee meeting schedule for the 2026-2027 school year.
Vote: 5-0 ([01:14:38])
Public Comment
Carl Pike (Selectman): Challenged the district to find $200,000 in savings to reach a 3.5% increase, citing the need to avoid a town-wide Proposition 2.5 override due to soaring health insurance costs.
Barbara Gildea (PTO): Reported on upcoming fundraisers, including the Guilty Bakery cupcake drive (Feb 25 deadline) and the Harlem Wizards basketball event (March 31).
What’s Next
The School Committee will participate in a Joint Assessment Meeting on Thursday night to present their budget figures alongside Silver Lake and other member towns. The Committee expects to revisit final budget voting once more definitive state aid numbers and town-wide health insurance figures are available.
Source Video: Kingston Meetings: Local Seen Streaming Channel