Whitman-Hanson Projects Razor-Thin Budget Surplus Amid “Frozen” Accounts and Enrollment Decline
HANSON — January 14, 2026 — Facing a multi-million dollar deficit earlier this year, the Whitman-Hanson Regional School Committee received a glimmer of hope January 14 as Acting Superintendent John Marcus projected a tentative $26,000 surplus for the current fiscal year. The turnaround, achieved through aggressive spending freezes and clawing back unused funds, comes as the district grapples with a steady decline in student enrollment and a heated discussion over the role of online learning in the high school curriculum. While the committee celebrated the “tentative” financial good news, members warned that the financial stability remains fragile, dependent on “future-proofing” the FY27 budget to avoid the “overspending the credit card” mentality that led to previous shortfalls.
The Full Story
The January 14 meeting of the Whitman-Hanson Regional School Committee was dominated by two primary concerns: stabilizing the district’s shaky finances and refining the high school’s academic future. Acting Superintendent John Marcus presented a “deficit calculation sheet” that detailed the district’s journey from a nearly $1.2 million deficit in additional costs back to a projected surplus of $26,000.
Marcus explained that the district has been “fast and furious” in its efforts to “land” the FY26 budget. This was achieved by freezing accounts, holding back approximately $554,000 in non-essential spending, and benefiting from higher-than-anticipated interest income (roughly $310,000) and Chapter 70 state aid increases. Despite the positive projection, committee members like Chris Marks and Stephanie Blackman expressed caution, noting that the surplus relies on estimates for items like snow removal and unemployment costs following the November reductions in force.
“We are not doing what we did again... that’s not going to happen... we need to avoid that and come up with reasonable kinds of things that are still going to provide the best possible education for our kids.” — Acting Superintendent John Marcus
Beyond the budget, the committee engaged in a vigorous debate over the 2026-2027 High School Program of Studies. High School Principal Dr. Christopher Jones presented 23 proposed changes, including new music and art courses moving to honors-level credit. However, a proposal to formalize “online learning” via the Imagine Edgenuity platform drew sharp criticism.
Committee member Stephanie Blackman, herself an educator, voiced strong opposition to the “casual” use of online learning as a substitute for in-person instruction. “I don’t think that the education is there,” Blackman said, citing personal experience with the platform and concerns that it would be used to fill gaps caused by teacher vacancies rather than serving as a specialized tool for students. Other members echoed her concerns regarding equity for students with dyslexia or ADHD who may struggle without a physical teacher present. Ultimately, the committee voted to approve the Program of Studies but specifically excluded the online learning provision, sending it back for further policy review and language tightening.
The meeting also addressed a sobering trend: declining enrollment. Data showed the district has lost 160 students since 2021, dropping to 3,423 this year. Marcus noted this is a statewide trend but acknowledged the need to “market” the district better, particularly its diverse course offerings and CTE (Career and Technical Education) pathways, to prevent students from opting for trade or private schools.
Why It Matters
For the average resident and taxpayer in Whitman and Hanson, this meeting signals a critical pivot point. The projected $26,000 surplus means the district may avoid further immediate mid-year cuts, but the “frozen” nature of current accounts suggests that services are being maintained at a bare-minimum level. The debate over online learning reflects a broader community concern about educational quality versus budgetary convenience. Furthermore, the enrollment decline impacts “Chapter 70” state funding; while the district is currently “held harmless” (guaranteed at least the same funding as the previous year), long-term decline could eventually strain local assessments if state aid remains flat while inflation rises.
Official Minutes & Data
Key Motions & Votes
Motion: To accept the High School Program of Studies with the exception of point number one (online learning), pending further policy review and revision.
Vote: Unanimous ([01:32:14])
Motion: To formalize the appointment of the Acting Superintendent as the district representative to the READS, North River, and South Shore Collaboratives, and the Whitman Middle School Building Committee.
Vote: Unanimous ([01:50:40])
Motion: To add a discussion of graduation expenses and MCAS results to the next meeting agenda.
Vote: Unanimous ([01:59:46])
Public Comment
Dawn Byers: Raised concerns about the 7:05 AM high school start time, linking sleep deprivation to student mental health crises. She also cautioned against replacing human connection with online screens.
Melissa V.: Requested that the district utilize smartboards or QR codes to share budget documents in real-time with the audience, noting it is “very difficult to follow along” when numbers are only spoken.
What’s Next
Superintendent Search: The Interim Superintendent Search Subcommittee is scheduled to meet on January 15 at 4:00 PM to establish a timeline and procedures.
Budget FY27: A formal presentation of the FY27 budget is expected by February 4, 2026.
Policy Review: The policy subcommittee will meet on January 28 at 5:00 PM to review the online learning language and the next ten district policies.
Source Video: WHCA Whitman-Hanson Educational Channel