Whately School Committee Trims Budget Proposal to 5.95 Percent for FY27

School Committee · Meeting of February 10, 2026

Whately School Committee proposes 5.95 percent budget increase for fiscal year 2027 after administrative cuts trim a near-10 percent draft. Business manager Shelley presented a total budget of approximately $2.952 million at the February 10 meeting, down from an initial level service proposal of 8.96 percent, or about $203,000 over the current year. Three administrative reductions drove the cut: applying roughly $32,000 in rural aid, removing a $9,000 curriculum supplies request, and shifting a $40,000 sick buyback obligation to a separate town warrant article.

A 20 percent insurance cost increase was flagged as hitting the budget twice because it went unbudgeted in fiscal year 2026. The committee also voted unanimously to remain a school choice school, accepted a $1,000 Yankee Candle donation, and received a first reading of a new classroom visitation policy. A joint meeting with the Finance Committee and Selectboard is set for February 25, with a public hearing on the budget targeted for March 7.

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Source: the School Committee meeting of February 10, 2026, reported from the official video recording and transcript.