Weymouth Schools Approve $90.1 Million Budget for FY2026
FY2026 plan includes 2% COLA for cafeteria workers; new Development Coordinator to focus on district fundraising efforts
WEYMOUTH - June 26 - The Weymouth School Committee unanimously approved a $90,113,902 budget for fiscal year 2026 during its June 26 meeting, following the town council's approval of the spending plan on June 16.
The budget includes $37,000 in total stipends for the seven-member school committee, with each member receiving $6,000 annually and the chair receiving $7,000. Committee Vice Chair Rebecca Sherlock-Shangraw disclosed the stipend amounts during the meeting to prevent any misunderstandings about the compensation.
"The budget that we are voting on does include the $37,000 total for our stipends," Sherlock-Shangraw said. "And that amount is set by town council under MGL chapter 71, section 52."
The committee also approved the creation of a new part-time Development Coordinator position focused on fundraising activities. The role replaces portions of duties previously handled by recently retired Community Relations Liaison Betsy Harris.
"What we really still need is the fundraising side of Betsy's job," said HR Director Jeremy Burm. "We came up with a job title that we thought was appropriate, which is the Development Coordinator."
The Development Coordinator will work 20 hours per week during the 183-day school year, plus an additional 10 days as needed. The position carries a salary range of $27,000 to $33,000 and will report to Assistant to the Superintendent Kelly Powers.
Burm explained the position requires flexibility in scheduling to accommodate community engagement and fundraising events. The district plans to post the position soon.
In other personnel matters, the committee approved a three-year collective bargaining agreement with SEIU cafeteria workers covering 2025 to 2028. The contract includes cost-of-living adjustments of 2% in the first year, 1% in the second year, and 1.5% in the third year, with a total contract value of $132,237 over three years.
"We had two great bargaining meetings with the SEIU folks. They are absolutely wonderful," Sherlock-Shangraw said. "SEIU ratified this tentatively agreed contract a few days ago."
The committee also approved an updated job description for the Finance Manager position, expanding the title to Finance Manager and School Procurement Administrator. Assistant Superintendent Brian Smith explained the change reflects duties added in 2019 when the town's chief procurement officer delegated school department procurement responsibilities to the position.
Superintendent Melanie Curtin provided updates on several district initiatives during her report. She announced Dennis Jones as the new principal at Chapman Middle School, praising his experience with positive behavioral interventions and supports programs and social-emotional learning initiatives.
"Dennis Jones is just unmatched when it comes to our next leadership at Chapman," Curtin said. "I've had the privilege of working with Dennis for a long time."
Curtin outlined the start dates for the 2025-26 school year, with grades 1-5, 6, and 9 beginning Thursday, Sept. 4. Sixth and ninth graders will have a half day to familiarize themselves with their new buildings before grades 7, 8, and 10-12 join them for a full day on Friday, Sept. 5. Pre-kindergarten and kindergarten students will start Monday, Sept. 8.
Chair Tracey Nardone questioned the delayed start for kindergarten students, noting it creates childcare challenges for parents. Curtin explained the delay allows time for new student registrations and screenings, though she agreed to review the policy.
"We are still seeing a handful at every school coming in when they're opening the doors to families that are brand new," Curtin said. "So trying to get those screenings, trying to assign them to the classrooms and get everybody ready."
The superintendent also reported that the state Department of Elementary and Secondary Education approved a career and technical education lottery system, which will be addressed through the policy subcommittee in the fall. She expects to provide updates on MCAS requirements and competency determination at the August meeting.
Committee member Kathleen Curran noted recent news about potential statewide cell phone bans in public schools, acknowledging Weymouth's proactive approach to the issue. Curtin confirmed the district continues monitoring state guidance on the matter.
Other business addressed during the meeting included:
• Approval of warrants totaling $2,771,379.62 and minutes from the June 5 meeting
• Authorization for an overnight field trip to New Orleans for Weymouth High School Fine Arts Music students in April 2026
• Recognition of parent councils and volunteers for end-of-year celebrations
• Updates on summer meal programs through the Department of Transitional Assistance
• Facilities maintenance updates and modular classroom placements
• Athletic subcommittee reports on team participation numbers and uniform refresh cycles
The committee's next regular meeting is scheduled for August, with the athletic subcommittee meeting Aug. 14 at 6 p.m. at Weymouth High School. Committee members reminded residents that nomination papers for fall elections are available at the town clerk's office for school committee, town council, and mayoral positions.