Shutesbury School Committee Unanimously Adopts Preliminary 6.32 Percent FY27 Budget

School Committee · Meeting of January 15, 2026

Shutesbury School Committee unanimously adopted a preliminary FY27 elementary budget reflecting a 6.32 percent town-facing increase at its January 15 meeting. Director of Finance and Operations Caitlin presented the budget, which carries a 5.44 percent increase in total spending, driven by rising special education costs and a projected $112,000 school choice shortfall; she and Superintendent Shannon said the underlying increase — excluding new out-of-district placement costs — was held to 2.39 percent. Finance Committee member Susie called the restraint "really helpful" and reported that she, School Committee member Nate, and a representative of State Rep.

Aaron Saunders recently met to press for rural aid restoration of up to $4 million for FY26. The committee also heard that the Amherst-Pelham Regional district could face a roughly $2.6 million cut from level services — "the equivalent of probably over 20 teachers" — as all four member towns struggle with health insurance cost spikes and failed overrides. A separate ask for Shutesbury to contribute approximately $111,200 toward a $1.6 million middle school auditorium roof repair not covered by an MSBA grant drew skepticism, with Anna calling town appetite for the expenditure "almost zero." The committee's public hearing on the FY27 budget is set for the February 12 School Committee meeting.

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Source: the School Committee meeting of January 15, 2026, reported from the official video recording and transcript.