Holliston committee adopts $45.97M FY27 budget request, backs $2.5M MSBA feasibility-study article

The Holliston School Committee voted on March 12 to recommend a $45,972,162 FY27 budget request (a 3.61% increase) and approved two capital-related warrant requests for town meeting: a $2,500,000 MSBA feasibility-study request and a $740,000 capital package covering prioritized items.

The budget-subcommittee chair presented the budget recommendation and said the number was calculated as a 3.61% request framed as a 3.25% level-of-service target.

'With the permission of the chair, our budget recommendation is $45,972,162,' the committee member said. The motion to adopt that recommendation was seconded and approved by voice vote.

Administration explained the path to the 3.25% target remains constrained by enrollment and midyear personnel changes. The superintendent's presentation noted that an earlier 4.98% projection was reduced by retirements and payroll changes; the presenter also said that 'the only way we can get to 3.25% does require reduction of 3 FTEs,' and discussed which non-classroom positions would be considered.

Separately, the committee discussed and voted to request $2,500,000 in town meeting authorization to fund an MSBA feasibility study for district facilities. Members cited recent comparator proposals showing feasibility-study comps from about $1.7 million to $2.5 million and urged community turnout for the May 11 town meeting when the MSBA article will appear.

The committee also voted to recommend a $740,000 capital request covering several priority projects, and members noted a $275,000 curriculum-resource pilot tied to an existing grant; the presenter clarified some grant figures during the discussion.

Committee members said the administration will continue to refine numbers with the town manager and present to the finance committee on March 31; the budget hearing for community comment is scheduled before the next school committee meeting.