KINGSTON - December 11, 2025 - Silver Lake Regional School District officials presented a preliminary FY27 budget that requires a 3.73% increase to maintain current services, a figure that Committee members called a “surprise in a good way” compared to initial fears of double-digit hikes. However, Superintendent Dr. Jill Proulx warned that a flat, level-funded budget would trigger $1.5 million in cuts, forcing the elimination of seven teaching positions and surging class sizes.
The Full Story
Superintendent Dr. Jill Proulx and Director of Finance Sarah Hickey delivered the first look at the Fiscal Year 2027 budget, outlining the financial crossroads facing the district. The administration presented three scenarios: a “Level Service” budget, a 2.5% increase, and a “Level Funded” budget.
The recommended Level Service Budget stands at $42,160,721, representing a 3.73% increase over the current fiscal year. This plan maintains all current programs and class sizes. In contrast, Dr. Proulx detailed the severe impact of a Level Funded Budget (0% increase), which would leave a $1.5 million deficit.
“Our level-funded budget would result in additional reductions in staffing,” Dr. Proulx cautioned. “It would require [cutting] seven additional SLEA unit members, three additional aid positions... and class sizes would increase from [an average of] 25 to 32.”
The intermediate scenario—a 2.5% increase—would still necessitate approximately $500,000 in cuts, including four teaching positions and two aides.
Despite the challenges, Committee members expressed relief. Jeanne Coleman noted that previous discussions with town officials had braced them for a “worst-case scenario” of 15-20% increases.
“I think that these numbers are a surprise in a good way... To see a 3.73% level service budget... I think [that is a] respectful figure to the town to start to consider.” — Jeanne Coleman, Committee Member [32:56]
Wastewater Plant Crisis The Committee addressed an urgent operational issue at the Wastewater Treatment Plant. With the facility’s licensed operator on long-term medical leave, the district was forced to contract an outside vendor. The Committee voted to award a contract to Weston & Sampson for $5,550 per month through June to ensure the plant remains compliant and operational.
Policy & Booster Clubs A significant portion of the meeting focused on the second reading of Policies A-K. A key point of contention was the requirement for school booster clubs to obtain 501(c)(3) non-profit status. Jason Fraser reported that while this process is burdensome for volunteers, legal counsel deemed it essential to protect student funds.
“Russ [Legal Counsel] told me some horror stories from other districts... tens of thousands of dollars in donated funds meant for students disappearing overnight and with no legal pathway to trace the dollars.” — Jason Fraser, Committee Member [46:24]
Why It Matters
For residents of Halifax, Kingston, and Plympton, this budget presentation sets the baseline for the upcoming town meeting season. While the requested 3.73% increase is moderate compared to recent years, the alternative—a level-funded budget—would directly impact student learning by significantly increasing class sizes and eliminating electives. The district’s ability to secure this funding will determine whether Silver Lake maintains its current educational standards or faces a year of retrenchment.
Official Minutes & Data
Key Motions & Votes
Motion: To approve the Consent Agenda.
Outcome: Passed Unanimously
Vote: Unanimous Voice Vote ([01:59])
Motion: To nominate Mark Helisek as the School Committee representative to the Halifax Override Committee.
Outcome: Passed Unanimously
Vote: Unanimous Voice Vote ([08:47])
Motion: To accept the recommendation to contract Weston & Sampson for wastewater treatment operations ($5,550/mo).
Outcome: Passed Unanimously
Vote: Unanimous Voice Vote ([11:27])
Motion: To accept Policies Section A-K (Second Reading).
Outcome: Passed Unanimously
Vote: Unanimous Voice Vote ([49:05])
Public Comment
Will Fishman (Student): Requested that the “Pathways” program be granted permission to join Silver Lake Regional High School to improve inclusivity for students in the program. ([00:56])
Academic Recognition
The Committee honored two graduating seniors for academic excellence:
Sarah Curtain: Recognized for leadership in Student Council and Key Club, and participation in soccer and lacrosse.
Hayden Mathias: Recognized as Class President (9th/10th), Hockey/Track Captain, and for achieving High Honor Roll every term.
What’s Next
Budget Hearings: The Administration will refrain from asking for a formal budget vote until state aid figures are released, likely in late January.
Regionalization Study: The next meeting is scheduled for January 21st at 5:30 PM.
Union #31 Meeting: A joint meeting for all committees is scheduled for December 17th.