Marshfield Proposes $63.6 Million Preliminary Budget for FY27
Governor Winslow Students “Spotlight” Belonging
MARSHFIELD - February 10, 2026 - The Marshfield School Committee took its first formal step toward the next fiscal year by opening a public hearing and subsequently voting on a $63,597,203 preliminary educational operating budget for FY27. Beyond the numbers, the evening was defined by a poignant moment of silence for a recent graduate and an extensive “Spotlight on Excellence” presentation by Governor Winslow Elementary students, who showcased a district-wide initiative centered on creating a culture of belonging.
The Full Story
The meeting began on a somber note as Chair Sean Costello called for a moment of silence to honor Liam Palmer, a 2024 Marshfield High School graduate and former Governor Winslow student who passed away recently. Costello noted that while the committee’s work is often filled with joy, such moments serve as a reminder of the deep connections within the school community.
The Committee transitioned into the required public hearing for the Fiscal Year 2027 budget. With no members of the public stepping forward to comment, the hearing was closed, and the Committee moved to vote on the preliminary figure. Assistant Superintendent Tom Miller announced the initial number as $63,597,203. This figure represents the “level service” budget—the amount required to maintain current staffing and operations. While the Committee approved the number 3-0-0, Miller cautioned that the district is still awaiting final revenue figures from the town and is “preparing for the worst and hoping for the best” regarding potential fiscal gaps.
The heart of the meeting featured the “Spotlight on Excellence,” led by Governor Winslow Principal Karen Hubbard. Students from every grade level—kindergarten through fifth grade—presented projects from the “Together We Belong” initiative. Highlights included:
Kindergarteners created “identity flowers” to share unique traits like being “forgiving” and “kind.”
First graders designed “belonging stars” representing their heritage, ranging from Scotland to Boston.
Second graders displayed a “Heritage Quilt,” with students sharing stories of ancestors from Ireland and Italy.
Fourth graders focused on food as a unifier, sharing family recipes for carrot cake and English scones.
Fifth graders used silhouettes to illustrate their personal cultures and family traditions.
The presentation also included the “Above and Beyond” recognition for reading specialists Pam Roberts and Jennifer Chase. They were praised for their leadership in the new reading program and for transforming the school’s physical environment into a more welcoming space.
Later in the session, the Committee approved the creation of a freshman boys’ lacrosse team. Athletic Director William Battis reported a massive surge in interest, with 42 freshmen signing up. Battis argued that without a third team, the program would be forced to cut nearly half the interested players, as the total program size has swelled to 87 athletes. The estimated cost to run the new team, including coaching and transportation, is between $3,700 and $4,200.
“It’s a lot easier to be brave when you feel you’re comfortable and you belong in an environment. It’s a lot easier to achieve. It’s a lot easier to have your voice stand out as a student.” (33:08) — Superintendent Patrick Sullivan
Why It Matters
The approval of the preliminary budget is the “high-water mark” for school funding, setting the stage for negotiations with town officials as they look toward the Spring Town Meeting. For parents, the spotlight on “belonging” isn’t just a social initiative; school leaders emphasized that these emotional supports are directly linked to academic achievement and the district’s long-term strategic pillars. Additionally, the approval of the new lacrosse team reflects a broader trend of increasing student participation in athletics, requiring the district to balance extracurricular opportunities with rising transportation and coaching costs.
Official Minutes & Data
Key Motions & Votes
Motion: To open the public hearing on the FY27 educational operating budget.
Outcome: Passed (3-0-0) (0:03:12)
Motion: To approve the preliminary FY27 budget number of $63,597,203.
Outcome: Passed (3-0-0) (0:04:01)
Motion: To create a freshman boys’ lacrosse team.
Outcome: Passed (3-0-0) (0:45:55)
Motion: To bring forward an article to the Special Town Meeting in April to fund a sick leave buyback for four retirees totaling $152,245.21.
Outcome: Passed (3-0-0) (0:46:33)
Public Comment
No members of the public spoke during the FY27 budget hearing.
What’s Next
Next Meeting: February 24, 2026, at 6:30 PM.
Special Town Meeting: The Committee will bring forward an article in April to fund retirement buyouts using dormant funds.
Budget Negotiations: District leadership will continue meeting with town administration to reconcile the “level service” budget with available town revenue.