May 6, 2026 Budget Subcommittee Meeting

Adams Library | 89 Middle St., Weymouth
May 6, 2026 | 6:00 p.m

 

Members In Attendance: Danielle Graziano (Chair)

 

Members also present: Mary-Ellen Devine, Kelly McClean, Cindy Lyons, Ashley Dickerman

 

Also Present: Brian Smith, Assistant Superintendent, Melanie Curtin, Superintendent

 

 

Tonight's meeting is being recorded via Zoom Webinar

 

Condolences were expressed to Ms. Nardone and the Tanner/Nardone family for the passing of Josephine Nardone.

 

The IFB was released on 4/15/26 and there is an apparent low bidder. The district is in the due diligence phase and on track to award by May 13, 2026.

 

Public Comment relating to Student Transportation

 

-Sue Lebbossiere, #7 school bus driver

Expressed her opinion that NRT is not a responsible bidder as their bid was unrealistically low and shared her concerns that they don’t have the resources or a record of success to fulfil the contract. She also questioned the hours per day for pricing, saying that it is more than 6 hours per day driving, not 5.

 

-Michelle Majchrowicz, Teamsters 653

Stated that Weymouth bus drivers are the fabric of the community and that 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 asked the district to stand behind and support their bus drivers. She advised that drivers will walk if NRT is awarded and does not honor the current collective bargaining agreement for drivers. She stressed that First Student drivers have been transporting children safely and professionally for decades.

 

Thanks expressed to Faith Howland, WPS Transportation Director, for attending the meeting this evening, as well as to the meeting attendants for their comments.

 

The FY27 budget book is available online and is a great expression of the budget. Thanks to the CTE Wildcat Creative Club for printing the book.

 

Extended School Year (ESY) rates were reviewed (attached). A proposed increase from $37.75 to $40 for Teacher/Tutor, Nurse and Related Service providers. Other rates will remain the same and will be paid for positions that are filled with a non-collective (Unit D) individual. Rates effective July 1, 2026. ESY is for identified special education students to maintain skills and prevent substantial regression; a 4-week program, (CEP-6 weeks), 4 days per week. Q5 has 3 teachers and 1 coordinator and is for credit recovery.

 

Proposed substitute rates (attached), Comparable rates geographically

Pre-assigned building sub and teacher $113.25 to $115

ESP-$97.25-$100

Nurse and Nurse 1:1-$32.25-$35

Traffic Supervisor maintain at $25.50

CDL driver maintain at $27.50

Van driver-$19.50-$20

Retired van driver maintain at $24

Van Monitor-$16-$17.50

Cafeteria aid-$17-$17.50

Long term sub 1-30 days-$134.25-$150, 31-60 days-$161.25-$175.00

 

There are no changes to athletic game worker rates at this time. More information will be available at the athletic sub committee next week.

 

Proposed increase of fees (attached) was discussed. Most increases will be at 10% with a few at 20%. Increases are part of the FY27 funding plan and increases are balanced with costs of the programming. Highlighted increases:

-WHS Hockey-20% increase due to increased rink rental rate

-Middle School Sports-previously funded by ARPA

-Unified-$50-clarification will be made if per year or per season

-Family Cap increase of $20/season

-Payrider increase of 20%

-New clubs/activities and theater fee (1 time fee per student per year not per activity)

-WECC-5% increase per year with an increase in registration from $50-100

-No increase in technology at this time with the change in the device initiative

-10% increase to hall rental space. Chapman auditorium rentals are paid through the town however, WPS custodial staff is paid.

Analysis reveals that increasing fees will yield $95,911 (equals a teaching position)

 

The state has increased the per pupil expenditure (Chapter 70) from $150 to $160. Out of 319 districts, 275 will receive the minimum aid of $160/per pupil.

 

Superintendent Curtin shared that the district has been planful, mindful, and thoughtful concerning the budget and shifts that will need to be made. There were higher than usual retirements this year. She advised that the position of the Coordinator of World Language and English Learners will be eliminated. To assist with increased student needs, support to building administrators as well mentorship for new educators, a Student Services administrator position will be posted. It was clarified that there is already a job description for this position and is not a new position. It was shared that a full time BCBA position will be sought. Discussion of responsibilities, assistant principles, proactive professional development, budget salaries was had. It was reiterated that the committee voted on the budget number not people/positions.

 

Important dates:

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

 

On Friday May 8, 2026 the Schools’ Town Council presentation along with the questions received will be shared with the committee.

 

The Meeting adjourned at 7:16pm on the motion by Ms. Lyons, seconded by Ms. Devine. Motion passed unanimously.