HANSON - January 28, 2026 - Acting Superintendent Dr. John Marcus presented a sobering Fiscal Year 2027 budget outlook to the Whitman-Hanson Regional School Committee Wednesday night, revealing a $4.7 million spike in projected costs. To stabilize a district he described as being in “recovery mode,” Marcus proposed $1.2 million in staffing reductions, totaling approximately nine positions. While the district aims to focus these cuts on administrative functions to protect the classroom, officials warned that the financial reality of rising special education costs, transportation, and contractual obligations has left the budget on “less than a shoestring.”
The Full Story
The primary focus of Wednesday’s two-hour session was the daunting task of balancing the FY27 budget. Dr. Marcus emphasized that the district is currently grappling with the fallout of being overspent by approximately $1.5 million in each of the last two years. He noted that while painful cuts were made in November 2025, they were insufficient to bridge the existing deficit.
“I cannot in good conscience present a budget to you or to the two towns that puts us back in the same place that we were in where we roll forward again with overspending.” [01:07:03] — Dr. John Marcus, Acting Superintendent
The $4.7 million in new costs is driven by significant increases in non-discretionary spending, including a $1.3 million jump in retirement insurance, rising special education tuition for out-of-district placements, and higher costs for transportation and custodial contracts.
To address this, Marcus proposed a “minimal” budget model that seeks $1.2 million in savings through the reduction of nine positions. “The focus is really on administrative functions as much as we can to avoid the classroom and avoid the kinds of things that affect our kids directly,” Marcus stated. However, Committee Member Beth Stafford expressed deep concern regarding further administrative cuts, noting that the district has already left several director-level positions vacant.
Despite the proposed reductions, the district plans to fund two new “mandated” special education programs—one at the elementary level and one at the high school—costing $420,000. Marcus argued that these programs are essential to support students locally, which ultimately saves the district from even higher out-of-district tuition and transportation fees.
MCAS 2025: Strengths in Science, Growth Needed in Writing The committee received a detailed report on the 2025 MCAS results from curriculum coordinators. Overall, Whitman-Hanson students performed in line with or slightly above state averages.
Science: The district outperformed the state in grades 5 and 8, with 45% of students meeting or exceeding expectations. High school biology scores were particularly strong, with 61% of students reaching those levels compared to 46% statewide.
ELA: Students showed foundational strength in reading and vocabulary, but writing remains a consistent area for growth across all grades.
Math: Coordinators noted strong “procedural fluency” (the how) but emphasized a need to bolster “conceptual understanding” (the why) through increased use of visual frameworks and manipulatives.
Leadership Transition The committee granted unanimous consent for the appointment of Matt Wells as the Interim Director of Finance and Operations (Business Manager). Wells, who has experience in multiple districts including Norton and Marlboro, steps in during the height of budget season. He emphasized his commitment to transparency and noted that he returned to school finance because he “missed the kids”.
Graduation and Tuition Costs A review of graduation expenses showed a district cost of roughly $32,000, not including $9,000 in student-borne costs for caps, gowns, and senior activities. The committee also approved a 15% increase in preschool tuition to align with neighboring districts, a move expected to generate $25,000 in revenue for the revolving account.
Why It Matters
For Whitman and Hanson residents, this meeting signals a period of extreme fiscal tightening. The $4.7 million increase in operational costs may lead to higher assessments for the member towns, or reductions in services elsewhere. For parents, the proposed reduction of nine positions and the restructuring of administrative support may impact the speed and efficiency of district services, though the administration is fighting to keep the impact away from direct classroom instruction.
Official Minutes & Data
Key Motions & Votes
Motion: To approve the adjustment of Preschool Academy tuition rates (approx. 15% increase).
Vote: Unanimous [01:30:08]
Motion: To consent to the appointment of Matt Wells as Interim Business Manager.
Vote: Unanimous [01:46:29]
Motion: To approve the high school DECA competition field trip.
Vote: Unanimous [01:47:18]
Motion: To approve the charge of the Warrant Subcommittee.
Vote: Unanimous [01:51:38]
Public Comment
No residents signed up for public comment during this session [01:26:45].
What’s Next
Budget Subcommittee Meeting: Wednesday, February 4, 2026, at 5:00 PM [01:48:01].
Public Budget Hearing: Wednesday, February 4, 2026, at 6:30 PM [01:48:01].
Interim Superintendent Search Forums:
Next Building Committee Meeting: To be held at Whitman Middle School [02:02:32].
Source Video: WHCA Whitman-Hanson Educational Channel