Finding #35 — Program Extensions: Superintendent Proposed $961,000 → School Committee Approved $902,000

Severity: high · Category: programs · Last updated: May 3, 2026 · Dollar amount: $961K → $902K

Summary

The Superintendent's February 11 proposed budget included $961,000 in program extensions (15 items). The School Committee approved $902,000 on April 8 — a $59,000 reduction. Both figures are preserved so the public can see exactly what was proposed and what was approved.

Detail

PROPOSED (Feb 11, 2026 — Superintendent Heather Perry) FY27 Budget Book p.10 — Program Extensions List: $961,000 across 15 priority-ordered items.

APPROVED (April 8, 2026 — School Committee 7-0 vote) Town Council Budget Booklet (April 15, 2026) p.4: 'Items Needed To Maintain Existing Programs — $902,000.00 (See Program Extensions list below for details).'

Reduction: $59,000 (-6.1%)

Impact

$59,000 reduction between proposed and approved Program Extensions. The specific item(s) cut have not been disclosed in any public document.

Source

Document: FY27 Budget Book (Feb 11, 2026) + Town Council Budget Booklet (April 15, 2026)
Reference: Budget Book p.10 — Program Extensions List ($961,000 proposed) · Town Council Budget Booklet p.4 — Items Needed To Maintain Existing Programs ($902,000 approved)
Q&A: Not raised in Budget Workshop Q&A (now 86+ questions)

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