The Finance Committee meeting held on March 19, 2025, in Millis, Massachusetts, focused on the town's educational budget and the challenges faced by the school district. Key discussions highlighted the increasing financial burden on the town due to declining state aid and rising operational costs.

Committee members expressed concerns about the allocation of funds for local schools, noting that while Millis has seen a steady increase in school spending—averaging 3.9% annually over the past decade—the state’s contribution has significantly decreased. Since fiscal year 2017, state funding has dropped by 20%, leading to a shortfall of approximately $1.2 million that the town must now cover. This shift has resulted in Millis contributing more to its schools while receiving less support from the state.

The discussion also revealed that the town relies heavily on grants and revolving accounts to offset operational costs. However, these funds are dwindling. For instance, the revenue from the school choice program has decreased from over $500,000 in fiscal years 2021 and 2022 to a projected $244,000 in fiscal year 2026. This decline has forced the district to absorb costs previously covered by these funds into the operating budget, further straining financial resources.

The committee outlined the proposed budget for fiscal year 2026, requesting $21.2 million, which is $330,000 above the 4% target increase. This budget includes significant expenses for out-of-district tuitions and contracted services, which have become necessary due to staffing shortages. The reliance on contracted services has increased costs, as hiring external providers is more expensive than employing staff directly.

Concerns were raised about the potential impact of budget cuts on educational quality and staffing levels. The committee acknowledged that any reductions could lead to the loss of teaching positions, which would be detrimental to the district's accreditation status and overall educational standards.

In conclusion, the Finance Committee's discussions underscored the financial challenges facing the Millis school district, driven by reduced state funding and increasing operational costs. The committee is tasked with finding solutions to ensure that educational services remain robust while navigating these fiscal constraints.