Northborough School Committee approves revised FY27 budget with 6.96% increase

The Northborough School Committee voted unanimously Feb. 4 to approve its revised FY27 recommended budget, a package presented to the committee as approximately $32.08 million representing a 6.96% increase over fiscal year 2026.

Administration told the committee the budget reductions reflected multiple iterations and that the primary budget drivers are out-of-district tuition and collaborative placements, special-education transportation and salaries. The revised presentation reduced projected full-time-equivalent reductions to roughly 7.4 positions, down from higher figures in earlier drafts. Superintendent administration warned that trimming the budget further to meet a 3% town-wide guidance would require substantially deeper cuts: "if we were to get to a 3% budget, we have to cut another 17 people," the administration said during the discussion.

Committee members pressed on trade-offs between preserving program levels and limiting the town-wide tax impact. Committee member Joan thanked staff for the multi-month effort to reduce an initial 13.73% request to the current 6.96% figure: "I'd just like to thank Greg, his administration, the teachers, the principals that have started working on this budget in earnest back in October," she said.

The motion to approve the FY27 revised recommended budget was moved by Lauren and seconded by Kristen; roll-call votes were recorded as yes by Joan, Kelly, Kristen, Lauren and the chair. The committee also approved the establishment of a special-education stabilization fund earlier in the meeting; committee members said the fund would be brought forward to town meeting as needed.

Officials emphasized that the largest cost drivers are largely beyond local control and noted continuing conversations with the town administrator and finance boards. They said additional outreach to boards and committees will continue over the next weeks to explain the budget and its drivers before town meeting and to monitor whether an override will be necessary.