Board approves sending tentative 2026–27 budget to county; public hearing set for April 28

The Somerville Board of Education voted to submit its tentative 2026–27 budget to the county superintendent for review, the first formal step ahead of an April 28 public hearing on the final budget.

Miss Van Horn, reporting for the finance committee, said state-aid projections improved from an initially expected 3% drop to a 5.8% increase, giving the district more room to advance priorities while maintaining fiscal stability. Still, she said health-benefit costs remain the primary budget pressure, with an increase of $1,464,000; prescription costs rose 25% and medical costs rose about 19.5%.

To address increased costs, the tentative budget includes a 2% tax-levy increase and a $1,166,000 cap adjustment tied to health-care cost increases. The committee also noted approximately $7,000,000 in lost ratables due to changes in Verizon’s tax status. The finance committee plans a financial report and a public hearing at the April 28 board meeting, when the board will vote on final adoption.

The board emphasized that tonight’s action authorized the business administrator to send the tentative budget to the county for review, not final adoption. Board members and staff encouraged residents with questions to attend the April hearing and to reach out to committee members or the business administrator for more detail.