NORWELL — April 27, 2026 — The Norwell School Committee finalized preparations for the upcoming Annual Town Meeting, reviewing a razor-thin Fiscal Year 2026 surplus and a looming deficit in the state-funded “Circuit Breaker” account. The meeting also marked an emotional milestone for the district as members bid farewell to Alison Link, who stepped down after 12 years of service, and Lisa DiFrisco, who concluded a four-year tenure.
The Full Story
Director of Finance, Operations, and Technology Warren MacCallum presented a detailed Fiscal Year 2026 third-quarter budget report, revealing that the district is currently tracking a surplus of approximately $29,354, representing just 0.1% of the total budget. While the district has successfully managed significant personnel shifts and leave-of-absence coverages, several external factors have strained operations.
A primary concern is the underperformance of the district’s solar arrays. MacCallum noted that while the solar program remains a net benefit, lower-than-expected credit production and market fluctuations meant the savings were not as substantial as in previous years. Additionally, utility costs for gas and electricity have been higher than anticipated.
