HANSON - December 17, 2025 - Following months of financial turmoil and sudden layoffs, the Whitman-Hanson Regional School Committee received a cautious update on the district’s fiscal health, projecting a narrowed deficit for the current year while preparing to build the FY27 budget “from scratch.” At the same meeting to address shifting state requirements, the Committee voted a new “Competency Determination” policy for high school graduation.
The Full Story
The specter of the district’s recent $1.4 million budget deficit dominated the discussion, though Vice Chair TJ Roffey offered a glimmer of stability. Reporting for the Budget Subcommittee, Roffey outlined a scenario where the FY26 deficit could project to close at approximately $200,000—a figure that assumes a future one-time transfer of $600,000 from the district’s Excess and Deficiency (E&D) fund, which is not yet certified
However, Roffey warned that this projection relies on strict spending freezes and favorable variables, such as low snow removal costs. He emphasized that the district is not out of the woods, noting that the business office is rebuilding the budget process entirely for the upcoming fiscal year to avoid repeating the errors that led to the current crisis.
“The plan for the FY27 budget is to take every salary in the district and double-check it,” Roffey said. “We are starting essentially from scratch... knowing that we are still in a deficit for this year.”
“We’re going to continue to monitor it in the budget sub... The goal is to put a lot of attention on this and stay on top of it and prevent any unpleasant surprises from repeating.” — TJ Roffey, Vice Chair ([01:07:46])
New Graduation Requirements In a significant policy shift, the Committee unanimously approved a “Competency Determination” policy for the Classes of 2026 and 2027. High School Principal Dr. Christopher Jones explained that while students must still sit for the MCAS exams to meet state participation requirements, their scores will no longer determine their eligibility for a diploma.
Under the new policy, graduation will hinge on successfully completing relevant coursework—such as English 9 and 10, Algebra, and Biology. Dr. Jones clarified that the change aligns with state guidance following the recent ballot question vote, effectively removing the high-stakes nature of the test for current upperclassmen.
Cafeteria Wages Increased The Committee also took direct action to stem staff turnover in the food services department. Nadine Doucette, representing the department, successfully petitioned for a wage increase for cafeteria workers, raising the starting rate from $15.68 to $19.08 per hour. Doucette argued the hike was “overdue” and necessary to compete with neighboring districts. The measure, which will cost the self-funded department approximately $100,000 over three years, passed unanimously.
Why It Matters
For taxpayers, the “start from scratch” approach to the FY27 budget signals a rigorous attempt to restore fiscal credibility after a few months of shock deficits and mid year staff layoffs. The competency determination brings the district graduation requirements in line with the new state standards following the successful 2024 MCAS ballot question.
Official Minutes & Data
Key Motions & Votes
Motion: To approve Hanson Middle School 8th Grade Trip to Washington D.C.
Outcome: Passed Unanimously
Vote: [Voice Vote] ([21:11])
Motion: To approve a wage adjustment for Food Services staff (starting rate to $19.08/hr).
Outcome: Passed Unanimously
Vote: [Voice Vote] ([28:30])
Motion: To approve the Competency Determination Policy (replacing MCAS requirement).
Outcome: Passed Unanimously
Vote: [Voice Vote] ([46:00])
Motion: To table the Intermunicipal Agreement regarding the Middle School building bond.
Outcome: Passed Unanimously
Vote: [Voice Vote] ([01:04:05])
Public Comment [1:47]
Kathleen Trask urged the Committee to “be curious, not judgmental” and requested a tracking document for public questions. She expressed concern that the Class of 2027 would “take a big hit” due to budget cuts.
Kevin Kavka (WHEA president) asked for a leadership plan moving forward and highlighted the negative impact of cuts on student regulation and staff coverage.
Jennifer Robach demanded answers regarding Superintendent Szymaniak’s employment status, asking if he is on an “improvement plan” following the budget errors. [1:39:26]
What’s Next
Budget Development: The administration will continue building the FY27 budget line-by-line.
Superintendent Negotiations: The Committee entered Executive Session to conduct strategy sessions regarding negotiations with the Superintendent of Schools.
Next Meeting: January 14, 2026.