Woburn School District proposes FY 26 budget with 8.6% funding increase

In a recent meeting of the Woburn School Committee, the focus turned to the fiscal year 2026 budget, with key discussions highlighting the financial needs and strategic planning for the upcoming school year. Superintendent Dr. Crowley opened the session by expressing gratitude for the support received for the previous year's budget, which he described as transformative for the school system. He emphasized the importance of humanizing budget discussions by incorporating images of students and staff, reminding attendees that behind every number are real people.

Director of Finance and Operations, Mr. Dizzio, presented the preliminary budget for FY 26, which totals approximately $98.2 million, reflecting an 8.63% increase from the previous year. The budget's primary drivers include salary increases, special education costs, and transportation expenses. Notably, 60% of the budget increase is attributed to salaries, with a 3% cost-of-living adjustment factored in. Special education transportation costs alone are projected to rise by $900,000 due to contractual obligations.

Committee members engaged in discussions about the necessity of building substitutes to ensure continuity in classrooms, with several expressing support for this initiative. The conversation also touched on the need for transparency and collaboration between the school committee and city council, as they work together to address the budgetary needs of the district.

As the meeting progressed, the topic of modular classrooms emerged as a potential solution to ongoing space issues within the district. Dr. Crowley highlighted the availability of 37 modular units from Nauset Public Schools, which could provide much-needed classroom space. However, the costs associated with moving and setting up these units were acknowledged as significant, prompting further exploration of feasible options.

The committee's discussions underscored the importance of strategic planning and community collaboration in navigating the financial landscape of Woburn Public Schools. As the budget process continues, the focus remains on ensuring that the needs of students and staff are met while maintaining fiscal responsibility. The next steps will involve refining guiding principles for redistricting and addressing the logistical challenges of implementing modular classrooms, all while keeping the best interests of the students at the forefront.