May 7, 2025 Budget Subcommittee Meeting
Weymouth School Committee
Budget Sub-Committee with Full School Committee
Adams Library Conference Room | 89 Middle Street, Weymouth
May 7, 2025 | 6:00 p.m
Agenda
- Call to Order 6:00 pm
- Grants & Gifts
- Audits & Reports
- Modular Classrooms Update
- Modular Classrooms Update
- Contracts & Procurement
- FY26 Budget Planning
- Final Fee Cycle Review including ESY/Sub rates/Athletics game coverage
- Non-Union Benefits
- Presentation to Town Council
- 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
May 7, 2025 | 6:00 p.m
Members In Attendance: Danielle Graziano (Chair), Dr. Sherlock-Shangraw, Tracey Nardone
Members also present: Mary-Ellen Devine, Dana Scott
Also Present: Brian Smith, Assistant Superintendent
The meeting was called to order at 6:02pm
Tonight's meeting is being recorded via Zoom Webinar
Grants & Gifts
No updates at this time.
Audits & Reports
The Athletic Director has been asked to report out at the next athletics subcommittee meeting.
Year to Date and projections will be reviewed at the next meeting. The goal is sustainability and closing out the year with a balanced budget; reserve budgets have not been replenished.
Modular Classrooms
Assistant Superintendent Smith and Chief of Staff Langill attended Town Council on 5/5/25 regarding a free cash measure of $500K for modular site work (preparation). Through measures 24-067 ($800K), ARPA ($222K), 24-115 (2.9M) and the free cash measure, The Town has funded $4.4M for modular classrooms. Expected cost is $4.3M (remaining funds for contingency).
Space has been identified for modular classrooms to be placed at Hamilton (3), Nash (2), and Wessagusset (2). 5th grade classrooms will be located in the modular classrooms. Nash will have new CEP and LBLC programming (inside the building). Extensive discussion was had on placement www.weymouthschools.org
of modulars, logistics, safety, restrooms, security, and canopies/fencing for entry. There is a meeting 5/9 to discuss options for Wessagusett modulars.
Contracts & Procurement
CTE press brake has been installed, childcare resurfacing and fencing is complete (awaiting Nova coating) and culinary has a new POS system.
The softball and baseball field fencing is complete. The softball field has a temporary scoreboard during permanent scoreboard installation and the stadium scoreboard will be replaced in the fall.
JECC window A/C units will remain at the building unless a replacement is needed. Removal and reinstallation is cost prohibitive. The Johnson playground has been locked as it no longer meets regulation standards. The Facilities Committee will have to meet to discuss future plans for JECC.
Possibilities for before/after school care at Chapman for 6th graders (EEC licensing up to age 13) is being looked at for feasibility, need and whether within scope of current contract.
FY26 Budget Planning
Fees
School Fee analysis was reviewed. A 5% increase is proposed except for athletics and WHS class dues. Increase will have a ~$120K budget impact.
ESY-Beyond work day rate (recent market adjustment) has a proposed 2.5% increase (in line with CBA COLA).
Transition period for substitute rates was summarized.
Athletic game coverage rate for softball scoreboard has been added. Athletic Trainer rate has increased from $50-$60. Rates in addition to procedures will be covered at the next athletic subcommittee. $75 Saturday game rate was questioned.
Fees to be voted on the school committee meeting. May 15, 2025
Non-Union Benefits
The last draft of the non-union benefit contract was reviewed. Due to additions of positions (admin assistants) added to Unit D, roles had to be cleaned up. Benefits are now consistent for all employees. Language aligned to CBAs. Bereavement, days off, and vacation were talked through.
Non-Union benefits to be voted on the school committee meeting. May 15, 2025
FY26 Budget
Federal budget fiscal year is from 10/1-9/30. For K-12 education funding has decreased 15.3%. Projection is for title grants (I, II, IV) remain intact however might be decreased, while Title III (ELL) may be eliminated. IDEA grant is expected to have the same funding as FY25.
At the state level, per pupil expenditure has doubled to $150 however unrestricted funding has been reduced so only a ~$200K increase. Advocacy has been signed for Chapter 70 funding formula review (long term) as well as an increase in circuit breaker reimbursement (short term solution) from 75-90%, and to lower the threshold from $37K.
The FY26 budget presentation (attached) that will be presented to the Town Council on 5/13/25, 6pm in council chambers was reviewed. 31 questions have been received from the Council. Questions and answers will be forwarded to the committee. The annual town meeting is on May 19, 2025 and Council will vote the budget on June 16, 2025, with School Committee voting the school budget on 6/26/25.
The new proposed budget is $90,113,902. Grants (a little of $3M) and Medicaid (~$650K) make up ~4% of the budget. Measures taken to cover the shortfall of 1.9M include cuts in FTE, reduction in force, attrition, not fi lling positions, increase of fees, and compliance shifts. It was emphasized that the needs of the students and associated costs are increasing.
It is projected that there will be a decrease in revenues for FY27. Shortfall is anticipated and it was shared to keep in mind that there will be a possibility of cuts that fi scal year as well.
Committee/Community discussion
FY26 shortfall measures were discussed. Suggestion was made to clarify what measures (cuts) were taken to get to the $90M budget so that the council knows what is being eliminated at a loss for students and staff. Investment in education and collaboration was encouraged as well as sharing advocacy opportunities. Suggestion was made to advocate for the Millionaires tax to be equitably distributed. Per pupil expenditure is $18,245-in district and $19,798 out of district.
The Meeting adjourned at 8:06pm on the motion by Dr. Sherlock-Shangraw, seconded by Mrs. Nardone. Motion passed unanimously.