Wachusett committee approves PEC memorandum and $89.6M FY27 appropriation, lowers overall assessments

The Wachusett Regional School District Committee voted to approve a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with the Public Employee Committee (PEC) and to adopt an updated FY27 appropriation of $89,555,277.

In taking the MOA vote (the matter had been discussed in executive session), the chair called for a roll call vote; the chair reported the motion passed. The superintendent told members the PEC agreement has been signed and that the administration will hold meetings at school locations to share details with employees.

On the FY27 appropriation, the committee approved updated assessments to member towns as presented: Holden $41,408,155; Paxton $8,544,902; Princeton $6,982,502; Rutland $18,383,604; Sterling $14,236,114. The superintendent said the changes yield a general fund increase of about 3.09% and reduce overall assessments to about 3.82%; he noted Princeton's assessment reflected an 8.03% increase due largely to enrollment growth in that town.

Committee members offered little discussion before the roll call vote; the chair cast a yes vote and the motion passed. The superintendent and business office will forward the results to member towns.

Both votes were taken by roll call in open session following executive-session discussion of contract negotiations as permitted by law.