The Acton-Boxborough School Committee has outlined a comprehensive budget plan for the 2025 fiscal year, proposing a total budget of $116 million, which reflects a 3% increase from the previous year. This budget aims to maintain existing services while addressing significant financial challenges, including rising health insurance costs and the need for special education resources.

During the budget workshop held on February 8, 2025, committee members discussed the complexities of the budget development process. Notably, the committee decided to exclude $1.7 million from the Excess and Deficiency (E&D) fund to avoid inflating the base budget, adhering to a commitment made to the community. This decision was made to ensure that the budget remains sustainable and does not rely on one-time funds for ongoing expenses.

The budget also reflects a 1.69% increase in total assessments for the communities of Acton and Boxborough, with Acton facing a 0.97% increase and Boxborough a more substantial 5.25% increase. These variances are attributed to shifts in student enrollment, which are factored into the regional funding model.

Key strategies discussed to manage limited resources include prioritizing critical services and maximizing efficiency within existing structures. The committee acknowledged the need to balance efficiency with effectiveness, particularly as they navigate a landscape of increasing costs and limited funding.

The budget proposal includes careful management of class sizes and a review of scheduling practices to better meet the needs of students, particularly in multilingual support. Additionally, the committee is exploring structural changes to enhance resource allocation and effectiveness.

The workshop also highlighted the impact of external factors, such as the governor's budget proposal, which includes additional revenue for regional transportation and education funding. However, uncertainties remain regarding health insurance costs and potential liabilities related to state unemployment.

As the committee moves forward, they will continue to refine the budget, taking into account community feedback and evolving financial conditions. The next steps will involve detailed presentations on program considerations and prioritization of budget guidelines, ensuring that the needs of all students are met while maintaining fiscal responsibility.