March 4, 2026 Budget Subcommittee Meeting

WEYMOUTH BUDGET SUBCOMMITTEE with Full School Committee
Adams Library | 89 Middle St., Weymouth
March 4, 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; Meg Verlicco; Lindsey Fratolillo, Assistant Superintendent; Jeremy Burm; Alyssa Bossé

The meeting was called to order at 6:01pm

Tonight's meeting is being recorded via Zoom Webinar

All budget materials are posted on the website.

Assistant Superintendent Smith addressed some questions asked at the previous meeting on 2/4/26:

• Charter school enrollment projected at 295 for next year, an increase from 275 in FY26 and following recent state expansion.
• Decline in previous years followed by a recent uptick due to 70 new charter seats.
• Reviewed and observed student van drop-off/pickup procedures; safety and organization were confirmed, though one area cannot be paved due to underlying gas line.
• Maintenance is attentive to snow and safety issues for transportation logistics.

Budget Document Distribution and Transparency

• Discussion on timely distribution of budget documents; goal is 48-hour advance notice but flexibility requested for urgent or evolving issues.
• Committee members expressed the need for adequate time to process materials, but generally supported the practice of receiving information as soon as possible, even if within the 48-hour window.
• Concerns raised about equitable access to information for all committee members, especially new members; clarification given that recent budget slides were shared simultaneously with all.
• Budget documents and discussions aim for maximum transparency, with opportunities for committee questions and follow-up at subsequent meetings.

Grants, Donations, and Sponsorships

• Nearly $72,000 in monetary and $6,200 in in-kind donations reported mid-year.
• Notable new grants include a $10,000 MyCAP grant for middle school pathways and a $16,000 Democratic Knowledge Project grant for civic engagement curriculum.
• Athletic sponsorship program at $40,000 to date; future updates to be managed by the athletics subcommittee.

Audit, Procurement, and Contracts Updates

• Annual expenditure reports are under audit; food services audit rescheduled to April due to snow.
• Explanation of audit timelines, amendment possibilities, and links to annual DESE reporting.
• Invitation for bid (IFB) process for student transportation outlined, with a new five-year contract expected to yield cost savings.
• Discussion of procurement challenges during snow events; emergency contracts handled as needed.

Fee Structure and Potential Increases

• Annual fee review underway; possible increases of 10%, 20%, or 30% depending on funding outcomes.
• Not all fees will increase uniformly (e.g., different approach for early childhood vs. athletics to avoid pricing out families).
• New proposed fees for middle school sports and high school clubs/activities.
• Early communication with families about possible increases, especially in early childhood.
• No planned fee increases yet for ESY and substitute rates, pending further budget clarity in April/May.
• Discussion about maintaining free full-day kindergarten and comparisons to decisions in neighboring districts.
• Innovative approach to athletic event staffing—students may take on timekeeper roles for experience and inclusion.

Early Retirement Incentive Proposal

• Early retirement incentive program discussed as a voluntary, one-year option to address budget constraints and avoid layoffs.
• Targeting 25-30 retirements, mainly among higher-salary, retirement-ready teachers (about 5% of Unit A staff).
• Maximum incentive set at $20,000 per eligible employee; intention is cost savings by replacing or eliminating higher-paid positions.
• Union collaboration ongoing; details such as eligibility, non-return conditions, and process timeline are still being finalized.
• Preliminary survey of interest underway; final numbers and MOA to be brought back for committee action.
• Savings estimates depend on participation and which positions are refilled or eliminated.

FY27 Budget Context and Planning

• Historical average budget increase is 4.5% per year; current level-service proposal requires a 5.27% increase, higher than any recent year.
• Level-service defined as maintaining all existing services; cuts in recent years have already reduced 47.6 positions (~$3.6M).
• If level service is not funded, further cuts will impact student-facing roles and services (e.g., assistant principals, STEAM, electives).
• Federal grant funding (Title I, II, III, IV, IDEA) to be level for FY27—effectively a small cut due to inflation.
• School committee advocates for a level-service budget, but recognizes funding is determined by the town; public urged to attend hearings and voice support.
• Comparison to neighboring districts (e.g., Hingham) and discussion of local reliance on town appropriation for funding.

Capital Improvement Planning

• Annual review of capital needs, with top priorities for the year: replacing a 25-year-old backhoe, adding three new special education vans, and piloting a new K-5 math curriculum.
• Other items discussed: roof repair, feasibility studies for future school building needs, and fencing projects.
• Donations for smaller capital items encouraged; guidelines for naming rights and sponsor recognition referenced.
• Ongoing facilities subcommittee will revisit the district-wide master plan and future capital projects.

Public Comment

• Concerns raised about prioritizing cuts to administrative vs. student-facing positions.
• Process clarification: school committee votes budget, town ultimately funds it; level-service budget to be sent to the mayor and then town council.
• Timeline for budget approval detailed, including public hearings and opportunities for comment.
• Parent advocates urge strong turnout at upcoming hearings and continued advocacy for full funding.
• Questions addressed regarding utility costs from snow removal, crossing guard staffing, and communication about possible fee increases.
• Suggestions made for enhancing the budget book for clarity and context; administration welcomes input.

Announcements made about upcoming SEPAC/MassBudget presentation on state funding. https://m.facebook.com/events/759819910264682/? Tuesday March 24th at 7pm

Additional Discussion

• Finalize early retirement incentive details and bring MOA for committee action at the next meeting.
• Prepare more comprehensive and visually accessible fee schedule for April meeting.
• Confirm and clarify public hearing and meeting locations, ensuring sufficient space and accessibility.
• Gather public input at the March 12 hearing to inform next steps in the budget process.
• Assess and address crossing guard concerns at Ralph Talbot and other schools.
• Administration to consider recommendations for budget book improvements and potential capital item donations.

The Meeting adjourned at 7:44pm on a motion by Ms. Devine, seconded by Ms. Nardone. Motion passed unanimously.