Advisory committee flags $753,834 FY27 school funding gap after 17.71% health‑care jump

Leslie, the district staff member who presented the numbers, told the advisory committee that the town council’s preliminary FY27 budget left the school fund appropriation about $283,834 lower than what the school committee approved. She said a health‑insurance increase that came in at 17.71% — about $470,000 more than the district had budgeted for a 10% rise — produced an overall shortfall she estimated at $753,834.

The committee pressed staff on where savings could be found. Leslie described steps already taken to close the gap: a conservative projection of retirements and turnover that the district expects will reduce salary and benefit costs by roughly $275,000 and other operating‑line adjustments totaling about $125,000, for $400,000 in planned reductions.

“Between what we found and what the town manager plans on making for a request for next year, I do believe … the difference will be made up for the FY27 budget,” Leslie said, explaining that the town manager was also reviewing his budget to identify possible support for the remaining $353,834 shortfall.

Committee members asked whether prior surpluses could absorb the increase. One member pointed to recent surpluses in benefit lines and asked why existing appropriations wouldn’t cover the health‑care increase. Staff replied that earlier surpluses had largely reflected unfilled positions in prior years and that relying on recurring surpluses would be risky if those positions are filled in FY27.

Members also discussed the advisory committee’s calendar and whether it can reliably provide recommendations before school committee and town deadlines. Several members said meeting dates need adjustment to give the advisory committee time to research items before the school committee votes.

The advisory committee did not take a formal vote on the school’s FY27 request at this meeting; members said they expect follow‑up after the school committee’s own discussion and after the town manager completes his review.