TOWNSEND – North Middlesex Regional School Committee Chair Lisa Martin would like to share the following statement regarding the outcome of the District’s request for a Proposition 2 ½ override.
“We are disappointed that the Townsend recount did not end in the District’s favor, but accept the will of the voters and will move forward to provide the best education possible.”
“The School Committee met on Friday, June 28 to discuss the budget. The School Committee approved using the remaining $629,100 from the district’s Excess and Deficiency (E&D) fund. The FY25 budget is already using $2,045,000 from the district’s Excess and Deficiency (E&D) fund. Using 100-percent of this fund, is not an ideal option, not considered a best practice. However, the Committee agrees this is the best path toward protecting vital programs and staff.
“There is still a substantial shortfall for budget funding and the District Finance Committee will meet next week to discuss further options, including adoption of a “one-twelfth budget” that will level-fund operations until the budget situation clarifies.
“Our commitment to the children of Ashby, Pepperell, and Townsend has not changed.
“Thank you to the administration, faculty, and staff who have worked tirelessly on this issue for the past few months. And thank you to those in our communities who gave their expertise and energy toward supporting our schools.
“We will continue to update the community as more information becomes available.”
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