Winchester board reviews FY27 budget questions; discusses Pre-K enrollment and behavioral supports

Superintendent Julie Luby reviewed questions and answers from the board about the Winchester Public Schools FY27 budget during a Feb. 10 special meeting in the Hicks Room. The session focused on how budget resources are allocated across grade and age bands, data related to behavioral calls and tiered supports, the number of non–special education students enrolled in the district Pre-K program, and the role of the BCBA.

The review was presented to the board as clarifications to the budget book; Luby addressed inquiries from board members about allocation methodology and resource priorities. Board members asked for detail on how funds are distributed by grade and age band and how those allocations align with service needs.

Direct discussion examined data on behavioral incident calls and the district’s tiered supports. The board considered how those data inform staffing and program decisions; the minutes record that the topic was discussed but do not include specific figures cited in the conversation. The role of the district BCBA (Board Certified Behavior Analyst) was also discussed in the context of behavioral supports and staffing needs.

Board members raised questions about the number of non–special education students enrolled in the Pre-K program; the minutes note the topic was covered but do not specify a numeric enrollment figure. The district’s budget review therefore identified Pre-K enrollment counts as an outstanding detail for record or follow-up.

A motion to adjourn the meeting was made by Board member Jonathan Morhardt and seconded by Board member Shane Centrella; the motion passed unanimously and the meeting was adjourned at 6:58 p.m. The minutes were respectfully submitted by staff member Tiffany Melycher and are noted as subject to formal approval at the next scheduled meeting.