Members of the Select Board reluctantly approved the appropriation of $250,000 from its fiscal year 2025 budget, with plans for those funds to be made available to the school department to bring back four positions that would otherwise be cut.
The vote Monday evening came prior to the Finance Committee’s warrant hearing at Abbot Hall, and after the School Committee met with the Finance Committee to review and approve its FY25 budget. At a School Committee meeting last week, it was announced that the schools would approve a “hybrid” budget that would see some services and positions brought back through the use of its own revolving and reserve funds.
The committee expects it will be able to provide an additional $1 million to bring back those services and positions, with the additional $250,000 from the town used for four more positions. Town Administrator Thatcher Kezer explained that new revenue generated would be split evenly between the town and the schools, with each receiving $750,000.
Select Board member Moses Grader expressed his concern about the School Committee requesting an additional $250,000 after the even split.
“I’m not happy about it,” Grader said. “Once again, we have the schools reaching over to our side and pulling money back. I think that’s a practice that should not continue in the future. We ought to have very clear demarcations about financial discipline.”
At last week’s School Committee meeting, Committee Chair Sarah Fox said, “I don’t think asking the town to find an additional $250,000 is a huge ask.”
Select Board member Jim Nye called the appropriation of the funds “distasteful,” but said he would be willing to agree to it “as I’m sure the schools will be more than ready to reciprocate next year.”