School Committee opens FY27 budget hearing, no vote taken

School Committee · Meeting of March 16, 2026

Greenfield School Committee opens FY27 budget hearing with a 7.46% local funding increase and no votes on the spending plan itself. Superintendent Joel presented a $25.4 million local appropriation, up from $23.6 million, with a possible $29.7 million all-funds total once grants are included. Business Manager Andy Paquette warned reserves are shrinking fast, with school choice funds projected to fall 51% over two years and overall reserves down 30.87%, saying "we know it's raining, right?" Administrators flagged a potential $149,000 hit if Title I funding lands at only 85% of this year's level, threatening nine currently funded positions.

Special education spending is projected at $9,944,779 this year, above the roughly $9.28 million federal maintenance-of-effort minimum. The committee voted 6-0 by roll call to close the hearing and adjourn, with the Budget and Finance Subcommittee set to meet March 23.

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Source: the School Committee meeting of March 16, 2026, reported from the official video recording and transcript.