School Committee Approves 7.43% Budget Increase for FY2026
Additional nursing staff, special education support included in $35.9 million budget
NORWELL - February 10 - The Norwell School Committee has approved a $35,879,542 budget for fiscal year 2026, representing a 7.43% increase from the previous year. The budget, which will be presented to the town's Advisory Board, includes funding for additional nursing staff, special education support, and the restoration of math tutoring positions.
Superintendent Matthew Keegan presented the budget proposal to the committee, highlighting key areas of increase and new initiatives.
"We are looking at a $2,481,480 increase," Keegan said. "That includes the math tutor position that we talked about."
The budget breakdown shows significant increases in several areas, including a 12% rise in non-salary expenses such as utilities, transportation, and technology. Keegan emphasized the necessity of these increases, stating, "Can't not pay the gas bill. Can't not get the bus contract. Can't not get the textbooks. Can't not do the technology. It's just the way it is."
One of the new positions included in the budget is an additional school nurse. Keegan explained the rationale behind this addition, citing the need for seamless substitute coverage and support for students with extraordinary health needs.
"This, again, gives seamless substitute coverage for our students, especially with extraordinary health needs. Students with diabetes, other things like that. EpiPens. Students that come down on a regular basis for a high level of care," Keegan said.
The budget also includes funding for a new special education administrator position. Keegan presented data comparing Norwell's special education staffing to neighboring districts, highlighting that Norwell currently has only one central office administrator for special education.
"We just need to really make sure that we are coordinating this much more so at the building level. This is the entire reason behind the request," Keegan explained.
The restoration of math tutoring positions, previously funded through temporary sources, was also included in the budget. Keegan noted the importance of these positions in supporting student achievement.
"The math tutor aid is an essential part of our student support system," Keegan said. "The district has been notified that it most likely will not receive Title 1 funds next year. If there are no Title 1 funds, there would be no math support at the high school."
The budget presentation also addressed ongoing challenges with special education funding. Warren MacCallum, the district's Director of Finance, Operations and Technology, highlighted the need for increased funding in this area.
"The $1.5 million that we continue to budget for special education tuitions continues to not be adequate enough going forward. We have to address it," MacCallum said.
The committee members expressed support for the budget proposal, recognizing the need for the increases and new positions. The budget will now be presented to the town's Advisory Board for review.
Other items discussed at the meeting included:
- Approval of changes to the high school and middle school programs of studies, including new course offerings in art and economics.
- A proposal to restructure the sixth-grade schedule to accommodate incoming class size and enhance student support.
- Updates on the district's second-quarter budget report, which showed the current year's budget to be largely on track.
- Recognition of high school hockey coach Jim Casagrande for achieving his 300th win.
The School Committee is scheduled to meet with the Select Board on Feb. 15 to discuss the budget further. The Select Board is expected to vote on the Town Meeting warrant on March 5.
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Tax Cuts Favoring the Wealthy
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Medicaid Reductions Impacting Vulnerable Populations
The budget proposes significant cuts to Medicaid, the federal program providing health insurance to low-income Americans. These reductions could lead to millions losing access to essential healthcare services, disproportionately affecting the most vulnerable populations. While some GOP members advocate for work requirements over spending cuts, the internal party conflict underscores a willingness to compromise public health to fund other priorities, such as tax cuts and border security.
Erosion of Labour Union Rights
In alignment with Project 2025, the administration seeks to undermine public-sector unions by prohibiting the use of federal funds for their operations. This move aims to weaken collective bargaining rights, diminishing the ability of workers to negotiate for better wages and working conditions. Such actions not only suppress workers’ rights but also serve to consolidate power among employers and corporate interests.
Tariffs and Trade Policies Affecting Consumers
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Reduction in IRS Workforce Benefiting Wealthy Tax Evaders
The initiative to cut 6,000 jobs at the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is poised to hinder the agency’s ability to effectively collect taxes. This reduction could result in significant losses of revenue, estimated at $603 billion in uncollected taxes, primarily benefiting wealthy individuals and corporations adept at exploiting tax loopholes. Consequently, compliant taxpayers may bear the burden of this shortfall, undermining the fairness of the tax system.
In summary, the 2025 budget proposal appears to prioritize the interests of the affluent and corporate entities, including GOP donors, at the expense of regular Americans. The combination of tax cuts for the wealthy, reductions in social programs, erosion of labour rights, and policies favouring corporate interests suggests a governance approach that could exacerbate economic disparities and undermine the welfare of the general populace.
GQ