April 29, 2026 Budget Subcommittee Meeting
Weymouth School Committee
WEYMOUTH SCHOOL COMMITTEE MEETING
BUDGET SUB-COMMITTEE WITH FULL SCHOOL COMMITTEE
Adams Library Conference Room | 89 Middle Street, Weymouth
April 29, 2026 | 6:00 p.m
Agenda
- Call to Order 6:00 pm
- Prior Meeting Q & A’s
- Grants & Gifts
- Alison Trust Gift
- Alison Trust Gift
- Audits & Reports
- Food Service Audit
- Maintenance Projects
- Contracts & Procurement
- Student Transportation Update
- Student Transportation Update
- FY27 Budget Planning
- FY27 State Updates
- FY27 School Funding Plan
- Public Comment
Public Comment shall be in accordance with Policy BEDH
This meeting will be held in person, with remote access provided as a courtesy. Please note that technical issues with the virtual broadcast will not pause or cancel the meeting unless required by law.
Meeting Recording
Meeting Minutes
WEYMOUTH BUDGET SUBCOMMITTEE with Full School Committee
Adams Library | 89 Middle St., Weymouth
April 29, 2026 | 6:00 p.m
Adams Library | 89 Middle St., Weymouth
April 29, 2026 | 6:00 p.m
Members In Attendance: Danielle Graziano (Chair)
Members also present: Mary-Ellen Devine, Tracey Nardone, Kelly McClean, Cindy Lyons, Ashley Dickerman
Also Present: Brian Smith, Assistant Superintendent, Melanie Curtin, Superintendent
The meeting was called to order at 6:03pm
Tonight's meeting is being recorded via Zoom Webinar
Motion by Mrs. Nardone and seconded by Ms. Lyons to take out of order ‘Student Transportation Update, motion passed.
Student Transportation Update
Assistant Superintendent Smith shared that the student transportation contract expires June 30, 2026 and following MGL C.30B an IFB was sent out. There were 32 interested parties and 2 bids were submitted, First Student and the apparent low bidder, NRT. He clarified that the bid is for home to school transportation only, not special education transportation. The procurement team is doing their due diligence in reviewing and verifying that NRT is responsive and responsible; fulfilling the full scope of the contract and checking references from other school districts. The role of the school committee is to ensure that the law is followed in awarding the contract to the lowest, most responsible and responsive bidder.
Public Comment relating to Student Transportation
-Sue Lebbossiere, #7 school bus driver
As a long time member of bus operations (over 35 years) expressed concern of NRT as she has heard negative comments about the company and age of their vehicles. She emphasized that First Student drivers are reliable, and safe and are always positive.
Assistant Superintendent Smith expressed appreciation for the comments and clarified that the bid included scope for 30 vehicles; no older than 5 years and include cameras with audio recording as well.
-Steve Hilson, Weymouth resident and taxpayer
Expressed operational challenges of transitioning to a new transportation company and shared his concern that if the new company is unable to perform or sustain the contract that it will cost taxpayers even more money.
-Michelle Majchrowicz, Teamsters 63 and parent
Stated that Weymouth bus drivers are not interchangeable and have built generational trust. Current First Student drivers are not guaranteed their positions; a petition has been submitted to NRT as well as an MOA drafted for NRT to honor and protect driver benefits. She expressed her opinion that child safety should be a priority in Weymouth.
It was clarified that NRT can withdraw their bid. If done the bid would go out again.
-Marion Lablonsky, Rockland bus driver, shop steward
Shared that First Student drivers are dedicated, hard working and have formed relationships with students and families. She recognized #28 driver Jim Hickey. She voiced that what’s best for students is First Student and for the committee not just to consider the money but student safety.
It was shared that Weymouth is not alone in navigating transportation bids. Public opening for Weymouth’s bid was April 15 and 2 other south shore communities are in the process of determining contract awards .NRT has already been named the apparent low bidder in one of them. Weymouth will award the contract in the middle of May.
The committee thanked and expressed appreciation to the bus drivers for transporting students safely and for their comments as well as attendance this evening. It was shared that the committee understands the impact.
-Bridget Jaklitsch, Nurse at St. Francis School
Shared her thanks and appreciation to the bus drivers and inquired of the cost between the 2 bids. Assistant Superintendent Smith shared the difference in price over the 5 year term is $1.5M
Grants & Gifts
FY27 Title I (federal funding through DESE) is projected to have a potential shortfall of $52K, a reduction of 7%.
The Alison Trust received another allocation of $50K for the scholarship fund for CTE and music students continuing post graduate education. The funds are managed by the High School. The total gift received from the trust is $150K. Principal Monahan will communicate with the trustee on use stipulation.
Audits & Reports
A full report of findings from the food service audit performed a couple of weeks ago will be forthcoming. The balance of the food service revolving fund is in excess of the 3month recommendation. Direct costs (custodial, utilities, supplies) will now be paid by the food service revolving account which will be a mechanism to help balance the budget. Obtaining accurate meal count was also suggested; students will need their id potentially to get their breakfast or lunch.
There have been many in house maintenance projects. More detailed information to come. Thanks and appreciation were expressed to the maintenance and custodial staff for all of their hard work in maintaining and running multiple buildings. Highlighted projects: New PA system at the high school, fencing at Wessagusset, CTE equipment installations, and partnering with Town on Pingree playground/modulars/Pleasant St. road work at Talbot.
Contracts & Procurement
The 5 year approved contract for OpenGov will benefit the finance department and procurement.
The school and town are partnering on a new phone system, current contract expires 6/30/26.
FY27 Budget Planning
The state has increased the per pupil expenditure (Chapter 70) from $150 to $160, 100% circuit breaker reimbursement for this year is proposed.
The Superintendent expressed thanks and appreciation to Assistant Superintendent Smith and Alyssa Bosse for all of their hard work and transparency in preparing the budget.
Superintendent Curtin and Assistant Superintendent Smith reviewed the FY27 School Budget Funding (attached to these minutes) which was included in the Mayor’s submission to town council on April 21. Next year Chapman will be changing from 7 periods to 6 periods per day and Spanish only will be offered (not mandatory) at the middle school. Cuts to staff will be minimal. The school budget will be presented to the Town Council on May 12.
Thanks expressed to the Mayor, Chief of Staff Lacey, and the Town Council for the open communication and collaboration. The committee thanked the administration for forming relationships with town leadership.
The level service school budget request of $94,877,714 (5.3% increase) was submitted to the Mayor. The Mayor’s increase is 3.5% increase=$93,249,479 (operating budget). With a special education reserve fund of $500K as well as re-allocation and shifts at the school level of $745K (attrition, retirements, etc.); a variance of $383,235 is created. Estimated assumptions (increase fees, bargaining agreements [3 of 8 units are tentative], food service direct cost, state earmarks [Sen. O’Connor] etc.) are $950K.
Much discussion of the Mayor’s letter, free cash language and budget presentation to town council was had. Disappointment as well as opinion shared that the presentation and letter was confusing and misleading.
Community Discussion:
-Thanks expressed to the Superintendent, Mr. Smith, Alyssa Bosse and executive team
-Suggestion made for the Mayor to issue a correct letter and for School Committee members to speak about it at the next meeting
-The variance of $383K is actually $1.6M
-offering language as an enrichment program at Chapman
-Town Council must approve measures for free cash, it is a revolving account that can be rolled over to the next fiscal year if not used
-Enrollments; declining at the secondary level and increasing at the elementary level
-School committee roles in voting the budget
Important dates:
May 6, 2026-next budget sub meeting
May 12, 2026-school budget presented to Town Council
May 18, 2026-annual town meeting
June 15, 2026-Town Council votes the budget
June 24, 2026-last budget sub meeting
The Meeting adjourned at 7:56pm on the motion by Ms. Graziano, seconded by Ms. Nardone. Motion passed unanimously.