Scituate School Budget Proposal Aims for 2% Increase While Maintaining Staff Levels
District seeks to avoid layoffs, override amid financial constraints
SCITUATE - January 27 - The Scituate School District unveiled its proposed fiscal year 2026 budget Jan. 27, presenting a 2% increase that aims to maintain current staffing levels while aligning with strategic priorities.
Superintendent Bill Burkhead presented the $48,125,617 operating budget to the school committee, representing an $896,598 increase from the town's contribution last year. The total budget, including grants and revolving accounts, comes to $53,364,466.
"Although this budget today represents only a 2% increase, approximately half of the monies we received last year, to put things in context, I am proud to report that this budget does reflect the values of our strategic plan," Burkhead said.
He emphasized the budget avoids teacher and staff layoffs while preventing the need for a potential override vote by taxpayers. About 80% of the budget goes toward personnel costs.
"At the heart of this budget lies a profound appreciation for the dedication and tireless effort of our incredible educators and support staff," Burkhead said. "We have some of the best. We're very fortunate for that. We want to keep them."
The budget prioritizes competitive salaries and professional development to attract and retain educators. It also maintains investments in curriculum, technology infrastructure and facility upgrades.
Director of Business and Finance Tom Raab noted the district faces challenges in budgeting for special education costs, which can fluctuate significantly year-to-year. The proposed budget includes an additional $400,000 for out-of-district tuition expenses.
"It's six figure volatility, which makes it so difficult," Raab said. He added that the district may need to consider establishing a special education reserve fund in future years to handle such fluctuations.
The budget maintains current staffing levels across all schools. However, some supply and expense lines were reduced as part of belt-tightening measures.
"Everyone would have liked even just a level of service. I'd like a couple of books here, a couple of, we're gonna have to wait a year," Burkhead said. "Everyone got that message loud and clear."
The committee heard an update about Technology Director Jacqui Frongello and making increased cybersecurity measures a key focus, noting recent audits revealed potential vulnerabilities. The budget also continues the district's Chromebook refresh program for students.
In curriculum updates, the district plans to purchase new social studies materials for middle and high school, allocating $200,000 for each level. This follows last year's math curriculum adoption.
The committee also heard updates on literacy initiatives, including efforts to align instruction with the "science of reading" approach. Elementary Humanities Coordinator Megan Gregory reported progress in providing teachers professional development on evidence-based reading instruction.
"We've made financial commitments and investments in high-quality instructional materials that are approved by DESE to make sure that they're aligned with the science of reading," Gregory said.
Other meeting highlights:
- The committee reviewed a draft 2025-26 school calendar, with discussions around potentially starting school before Labor Day in future years.
- Members approved out-of-state field trips for the high school robotics team to competitions in Worcester and potentially Springfield.
- The 2025-26 high school program of studies was approved.
The school committee will hold a more in-depth budget hearing on February 3. The Superintendent encouraged community feedback on the proposal before final adjustments are made.
