April 2, 2025 Budget Subcommittee Meeting
Weymouth School Committee
Budget Sub-Committee with Full School Committee
Adams Library Conference Room | 89 Middle Street, Weymouth
April 2, 2025 | 6:00 p.m
Revised Agenda
- Call to Order 6:00 pm
- Grants & Gifts
- Audits & Reports
- Financial Procedures Updates
- Fundraising
- Wildcats Sponsorship Program
- Financial Procedures Updates
- Contracts & Procurement
- FY26 Budget Planning
- Fee Cycle Proposal
- Rates Proposal
- Extended School Year Programs
- Substitute
- Athletics event coverage
- Budget Updates
- Public Comment
Public Comment shall be in accordance with Policy BEDH
The three members of the Budget Subcommittee wish to encourage all members of the School Committee to attend and participate in budget discussions whenever they like. Because the Open Meeting Law requires that any meeting that includes a quorum of school committee members (4) deliberating on matters under their jurisdiction be posted as a meeting of the full committee, all Budget Subcommittee meetings are listed as full School Committee meetings.
Pursuant to Chapter 2 of the Acts of 2023, this meeting will be conducted in person and, as a courtesy, via remote means in accordance with applicable law. Please note that while an option for remote attendance and/or participation is being provided as a courtesy to the public and School Committee, the meeting/hearing will not be suspended or terminated if technological problems interrupt the virtual broadcast, unless required by law.
To join the meeting via Zoom by computer or internet-enabled phone:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84836567522
Meeting Recording
Meeting Minutes
WEYMOUTH BUDGET SUBCOMMITTEE with Full School Committee
Adams Library | 89 Middle St., Weymouth
April 2, 2025 | 6:00 p.m
Members In Attendance: Danielle Graziano (Chair), Dr. Sherlock-Shangraw
Members also present: Mary-Ellen Devine
Also Present: Melanie Curtin, Superintendent; Brian Smith, Assistant Superintendent
The meeting was called to order at 6:03pm
Tonight's meeting is being recorded and the format of Zoom Webinar has been reinstated. Public Comment may be made through Q&A.
Grants & Gifts
The Business Office attended a webinar 4/2 on ESSER auditing and reporting.
The complete transfer from the GoFundMe Chapman Band gift has been completed.
Audits & Reports
Committee members received 3rd quarter year-to-date actuals. It was shared not to be alarmed by the food service deficit-the department is working with the town to make it a true revolver again, or the CTE balance as it is used as a pass thru for the CTI grant-awaiting reimbursement.
The is a projected operating deficit (not a surprise) due to increase in utilities, transportation and added compliance staff; it is being closely monitored and transfers are likely (require school committee vote).
Capital spending was shared with committee members. Highlight projects from 2024-2025:
Technology Data Center & Firewall, golf carts, equipment for WHS, CTE Press Brake, CTE Childcare play area (resurfacing, fencing), scoreboards, curriculum.
The expense for Swim with a Special Child was questioned and will be answered at the next meeting.
The financial management procedure manual is updated every year and added this year is procedure for Fundraising. Fundraising activities must have prior approval from Supervisor, and Superintendent and comply with policies ADF, GBEBD, JJE, JJH, and be of benefit to WPS and its students (not outside organizations). The definition of school-sponsored fundraising was reviewed. It was emphasized that there needs to be a level of communication and approval so that fundraising will be compliant. It was encouraged for ideas to be shared with administrators and central office prior to approval if there are questions on the process.
Discussion of timeframe for approval, car washes, canning and booster-led fundraising was had.
The Athletics Sponsorship Program proposal was viewed. There are 5 different levels of annual sponsorship, each with different perks. There will be 2 banner sizes-placement will be at the stadium, softball and baseball fields, WHS. MWC, Adams gym, and potentially at WHS tennis courts. Projected start of Fall 2025 is for 100 banners in hopes of generating $25K revenue for the district in FY26. Some placements would be seasonal, some year-round.
Discussion of banners (ordering, design, # per venue), tracking, soliciting, where revenue will be deposited (athletics revolving to start and hopefully allocating wherever district need is moving forward), installation (maintenance dept), equitable distribution of funds was had. It was commented on how transparent the initiative is.
Contracts & Procurement
Vans have arrived (1 added to the fleet and 1 replaced older van). A non-committal order has been placed for 2 more vans. Hope is to have them in the next 2 years.
Assistant Superintendent Smith will be attending Town Council on 4/7 to seek approval for a 5-year contract (need council approval for contracts longer than 3 years) for ELA curriculum.
FY26 Budget Planning
There are legislative actions, lobbying, and advocacy for more money for schools. MTA, MTRS, and MASS have sent advocacy letters to overhaul the Chapter 70 formula, reimburse Circuit Breaker at 100%, and Proposition 2 ½. Support was shared for full Circuit Breaker reimbursement, as this has immediate relief.
-Fee Cycle Proposal was reviewed-a 5% raise except for athletics. Added fees are for Photography and AP Exams. Family Cap (affecting a handful of families) will no longer be a pilot but part of the fee cycle. It was shared that since the athletics budget shows a slight surplus that fees for athletics will not increase. Sponsorship will offset middle school athletics fees. It was suggested to add to school meal fees- ‘additional meal’ during the free lunch grant program. Fees will be brought back at the May meeting with edits and voted upon by the school committee. Hopefully the budget will be known by then.
Extended School Year and Substitute rates are proposed at a 2.5% increase.
1 location with all WHS fees (dues, sports, extracurricular, etc.) in the handbook, and not raising athletic fees was talked through, as well as athletic game coverage site managers. Softball Scoreboard will be added. Athletic Trainer rate was increased to $60.
-The FY26 School Budget of $92,079,118 and additional needs list was sent to the Mayor's Office. With projected revenues, there could be a shortfall of $1.9M (District prepared to address any shortfalls). Once the budget number is known (hopefully in the coming weeks) it’ll go back before the school committee. School goes before Town Council May 13, to present.
The Meeting adjourned at 7:29pm on the motion by Dr. Sherlock-Shangraw, seconded by Mrs. Devine. Motion passed unanimously.