Bedford board adopts 2026–27 budget after year‑end adjustments, keeps conservative revenue assumptions

The Bedford Public Schools Board voted to authorize final amendments to the 2025–26 year‑end budget and to adopt the 2026–27 fiscal year budget following a presentation by Chief Financial Officer Christy Brookner.

Brookner told the board the district expects general fund revenue for 2025–26 to be “just shy of $54 million” with final expenditures around $55 million, leaving an ending fund balance of just over $17 million (about 31 percent). Presenting the 2026–27 plan, she said the administration budgeted conservatively for a $250 per‑pupil foundation increase and a projected loss of 50 students, estimating general fund revenues at $53.5 million and expenditures just shy of $55 million for an ending fund balance near $1,598,000 (about 29 percent).

The administration said several supplemental funds were addressed: community education and recreation, Latch Key, the health van, food service, the technology millage (recently renewed), debt retirement, and a capital maintenance fund that will begin the year with a 2 percent transfer from the general fund while project priorities are refined. Brookner also described the Thomas George trust, restricted to high‑school math and science, and noted planned disbursements to support a new math curriculum.

Board members emphasized fiscal prudence. One trustee noted the district’s practice of budgeting conservatively to avoid over‑reliance on proposed state increases and to preserve flexibility if state revenues fall. Trustees discussed moving a portion of the general fund to capital maintenance to finance roofing and other large projects without returning to voters.

On a roll‑call vote the board approved the 2025–26 year‑end amendments and then the 2026–27 budget adoption. The roll calls recorded the same affirmative votes from trustees Amy Bissell, Cole, Todd, Megan, Griffin, Lisa and the chair.

The administration said the conservative assumptions leave the district positioned to maintain programs, respond to enrollment shifts, and fund scheduled capital work through existing reserves rather than seeking additional local tax measures.