Norwood's school district is set to implement a budget of $65.3 million for the upcoming fiscal year, reflecting a 6.7% increase from the previous year. This decision was made during a recent town meeting information session, where officials outlined the financial strategies and adjustments necessary to meet the district's educational needs.

Key components of the budget include a 3.25% cost-of-living increase for teachers, which will affect all staff, including those at the maximum salary level. The budget also accounts for various reductions made through a budget balancing committee, which included cutting $37,000 from technology, reducing curriculum increases by $100,000, and lowering costs for instructional materials and professional development by $80,000. These adjustments collectively contributed to a total reduction of $883,000 from initial requests.

Transportation costs are a significant factor in the budget, with a projected 20% increase due to new contracts and the addition of 2-3 buses for the new middle school. The district is also facing challenges in recruiting drivers for special education transportation, necessitating higher wages for drivers and bus monitors.

The budget relies heavily on state and federal funding, with approximately $8 million expected from various grants, including Title I and special education funding. Officials expressed confidence that these funds will remain stable despite potential changes at the federal level.

In response to questions about the budget's growth, officials noted that the increase is primarily driven by contractual salary obligations, which account for about 82% of the school budget. They also highlighted the importance of transparency in reporting all expenditures, including shared costs and grants, to ensure that town meeting members have a comprehensive understanding of the district's financial landscape.

As the district prepares for the upcoming fiscal year, the focus remains on balancing educational quality with fiscal responsibility, ensuring that resources are allocated effectively to meet the needs of Norwood's students.