Scituate School Committee Approves $55 Million FY27 Budget Amid Calls to Address Stagnant Substitute Pay
SCITUATE - February 9, 2026 - The Scituate School Committee officially approved a $55,029,611 budget for Fiscal Year 2027 during its Monday night session. The meeting was underscored by a poignant public appeal from a veteran substitute teacher regarding stagnant wages and a robust discussion on school safety at the First Parish Road and Route 3A crossing.
The Full Story
The primary focus of the evening was the formal approval of the FY27 budget. Interim Superintendent Dr. Tom Raab presented the “level services” budget, which maintains current educational standards while accounting for enrollment shifts and staffing transfers. [11:32] Dr. Raab noted that the budget had recently been presented to both the Select Board and the Advisory Board, receiving positive feedback for its transparency regarding staff transfers and enrollment spikes. [11:43]
Despite the budget’s approval, the committee was forced to confront the issue of substitute teacher compensation. Richard Aaron, a substitute teacher in the district for four years, addressed the board during public comment, highlighting that pay has not increased during his tenure. [03:12] Currently, Scituate pays daily substitutes approximately $110 per day, a rate that Dr. Raab acknowledged has not been adjusted in several years. [05:08]
“What I’m here to say is... we’re not earning as substitutes... we’re not getting paid a dime more than it was four years ago.” [03:12] — Richard Aaron, Substitute Teacher
Dr. Raab informed the committee that while paraprofessional and nurse salaries were corrected in previous cycles, daily substitutes are “next on the list” for review. [04:38] He committed to researching cost thresholds for potential future increases. [05:12]
The committee also touched upon persistent safety concerns at the crossing of First Parish Road and Route 3A. Members expressed frustration that the state-owned road limits the town’s ability to install permanent traffic signals. [13:38] The possibility of adding a crossing guard was discussed as the most viable near-term solution, though Dr. Raab noted this would likely fall under the Police Department’s budget rather than the School Department’s. [14:21]
In other business, Assistant Superintendent Ryan Lynch provided a “Teaching and Learning” update, noting that mid-year elementary benchmark assessments (K-5) were completed last week. [15:35] Data meetings are currently underway to analyze student progress and adjust “WIN” (What I Need) intervention groups. [16:13] Lynch emphasized that families will receive mid-year reports soon, featuring improved, easier-to-read formats based on previous feedback. [18:26]
Finally, the Policy Subcommittee began a systematic review of the district’s “C” policies (Administration). [19:01] Key updates being considered include a shift toward gender-neutral pronouns and establishing a more specific, predictable annual cadence for the Superintendent’s evaluation process. [21:28, 26:06]
Why It Matters
The approval of a $55 million budget is the most significant fiscal action a school committee takes, directly impacting classroom resources and tax rates. However, the discussions regarding substitute pay and Route 3A safety highlight the “human” side of municipal management—balancing fiscal restraint with the need to retain quality staff and ensure student safety on the way to school.
Official Minutes & Data
Key Motions & Votes
Motion: To approve the School Committee minutes from February 2, 2026.
Outcome: Passed [10:30]
Motion: To accept a donation of $2,520 from Cassie and George Tibo for the Excel program.
Outcome: Passed [11:19]
Motion: To approve the FY27 proposed budget in the amount of $55,029,611.
Outcome: Passed [15:20]
Motion: To adjourn the meeting at 6:42 PM.
Outcome: Passed [37:55]
Public Comment
Richard Aaron: Urged the committee to increase the $110 daily rate for substitute teachers, noting that pay has been stagnant for four years. [03:12]
Student Representatives: Reported on the success of the Mean Girls play, winners of the American Legion speech competition (Maeve Lynch, Michaela Whittaker, and Macy Muro), and the success of the Model UN team. [06:48, 08:53]
What’s Next
Financial Forecast Meeting: Friday, February 13, at 9:00 AM at Town Hall. [35:40]
Redistricting Public Meeting: Tuesday, February 25, at 6:00 PM in the Performing Arts Center. This meeting will present draft proposals for school redistricting. [34:48]
Policy Subcommittee Meeting: Thursday morning to continue work on kindergarten entrance and administration policies. [19:36]
Source Video: Scituate Community Television