The North Middlesex Regional School Committee has adopted its FY25 budget, representing a 6.27 percent increase over FY24.
This represents a level-service budget and is necessary for the District to maintain what it is currently offering its students. The budget was developed by the administration and staff to reflect the District’s core values of meeting the educational, social, and emotional needs of all students in a safe and welcoming environment.
Without this necessary increase, NMRSD would have to reduce its budget by $3 million, and:
- Eliminate 30 to 32 staff positions, resulting in K-8 class sizes of 27 to 32
- Eliminate all after-school programming: athletics, band, clubs, etc., making the High School a less attractive option to students and families
The Committee and District administrators create the budget prudently, averaging a 2.89 percent increase per year for the past five years. In the coming year, however, many of the District’s major budget drivers are expected to rise significantly:
- Health Insurance (6.4 percent)
- Yellow Bus Transportation (14.8 percent)
- Special Education Transportation (4.8 percent)
- Out-of-District Special Education Tuitions (6.1 percent)
- Utilities (1.2 percent)
- Collective Bargaining Agreements (9.9 percent)
At the same time, the District is receiving little additional state aid due to a broken funding formula and diminishing state support of regional school districts.
“This budget is the only way we can maintain student-focused services at the same level,” Chair Craig Hansen said. “As a committee we also are concerned about the impact of reducing staff. Not only will this have a tremendous impact on our students, but we will likely lose other instructors who will leave for a better situation. It will be difficult to replace these experienced, highly qualified teachers during a national educator shortage.”
Voters in Pepperell and Townsend will be asked to approve a Proposition 2 1/2 override to fully fund the approved budget. Funding requires approval at both a Town Meeting and at the ballot box.
Pepperell: Special Town Meeting convenes on Monday, April 8, at 7 p.m., in Nissitissit Middle School Auditorium, 33 Chace Ave. The Town Election is scheduled for Monday, April 22.
Townsend: Special Town Meeting convenes on Tuesday, March 19, at 7 p.m. in Memorial Hall. The Town Election is scheduled for Monday, April 22.
Superintendent Brad Morgan and District officials will hold open public meetings to explain the budget proposal and solicit feedback and questions from community stakeholders.
Townsend voters are invited to attend a presentation on Thursday, March 28, from 10-11 a.m., at the Townsend Council on Aging, 16 Dudley Road.
Ashby voters are invited to attend a presentation on Thursday, April 4, from 10-11 a.m., at Ashby Council on Aging, 895 Main St.
A presentation to Pepperell voters was made on March 9.
All community residents are invited to attend.