PLYMPTON - December 15, 2025 - The Plympton School Committee got its first look at the preliminary FY27 budget, where administrators presented two starkly different paths: a “level service” plan requiring a 2.61% increase to maintain current programs, or a “level funded” option that would eliminate the school band and significantly reduce library and custodial staff.
The Full Story
Principal Peter Veneto and Superintendent Jill Proulx presented the preliminary numbers for the Dennett Elementary School. The district’s goal is to maintain a “level service” budget, which preserves all current academic and developmental programs. This scenario requires an appropriation of $4,545,784, representing a 2.61% increase over the current fiscal year.
However, recognizing the town’s tight financial constraints, the administration also prepared a “level funded” scenario—meaning zero increase in the budget allocation. To achieve this, the district would need to cut approximately $115,784. Principal Veneto detailed the painful reductions this would trigger:
Elimination of the school band.
Reduction of the library position from full-time to 0.8 FTE.
Reduction of speech services from full-time to 0.6 FTE.
Elimination of one custodial position (1.0 FTE).
Chair Jason Fraser expressed appreciation for the administration’s transparency but emphasized the severity of the potential cuts. He noted that while the town is nearing its levy limit, there has been no official directive yet to prepare for a zero-increase budget.
“I just want to put on the record our hope is not to find out that we need a level funded budget from the town... that has not been telegraphed at all at this point.” — Chair Jason Fraser [[17:46]]
Fraser also raised concerns about “headwinds” from the federal government, specifically regarding the REAP grant (Rural Education Achievement Program). He warned that federal funding cuts could jeopardize this revenue source, which the town recently began using to support the operating budget [[13:30]].
In other business, the Committee unanimously voted to create a job description for a “Maintenance Custodian.” This position will replace a traditional custodial role through attrition, allowing for more in-house repairs without increasing the overall budget [[03:07]].
Why It Matters
For Plympton residents, this budget season presents a clear choice between a modest tax increase and a reduction in student services. A 2.61% increase maintains the status quo, while a “level funded” budget would directly impact student life by removing the band program and reducing access to library and speech resources. The outcome will depend heavily on the town’s broader financial picture and the availability of state and federal aid.
Official Minutes & Data
Key Motions & Votes
Motion: To move forward with posting a job description for a maintenance custodian and integrate it into the FY27 budget (Cost Neutral).
Outcome: Passed
Vote: Unanimous (4-0) [[03:29]]
Motion: To approve the consent agenda (Minutes, Warrants, Financial Report).
Outcome: Passed
Vote: Unanimous [[02:27]]
Motion: To accept policies A, DA, ECAB, BE, FBA, GBE, BC, JJE, KBE, KBG, and K (Second Read).
Outcome: Passed
Vote: Unanimous [[28:08]]
What’s Next
Capital Planning: The Capital Improvement Subcommittee will meet with the Facilities Director to refine requests, including potential warrant articles for a phone system and playground management [[23:24]].
Union 31 Meeting: A joint meeting is scheduled for Wednesday to approve the contract for the new Finance Director, who will start in January to overlap with retiring Director Sarah Hickey [[29:14]].
Budget Process: The Committee will continue to refine the budget and engage with the Finance Committee and Select Board in the coming months.