The Northborough Appropriations Committee convened on March 5, 2025, to discuss the approved budget for the upcoming fiscal year 2026. The meeting highlighted a 3.86% increase in the school budget, bringing the total to $30,244,173. This increase is attributed to several key factors, including the introduction of a new K-5 mathematics curriculum and the addition of a part-time occupational therapist to support special education needs.

During the meeting, officials expressed concerns over significant budget drivers, particularly the expiration of a favorable five-year transportation contract. The new bids received showed a staggering 90% and 45% increase over the previous contract, raising alarms about the overall operational budget. The committee noted that these increases are influenced by market corrections, fuel costs, and a lack of competition in the transportation sector.

Additionally, the committee discussed the anticipated reduction in federal grants, which currently account for about 1.7% of the operational budget. This trend is expected to continue, further complicating budget planning. Health care costs were also a major topic, with a projected increase of 24.9% from the current provider, prompting negotiations to seek a more manageable 16% increase.

The meeting underscored the collaborative efforts between the school district and town officials to address these financial challenges. The next steps include further discussions at the upcoming Northborough School Committee meeting and a public hearing scheduled for March 26, where community members will have the opportunity to provide input on the budget.

Overall, the meeting reflected the complexities of budgeting in the current economic climate, with officials striving to balance educational needs with financial constraints.