The Newburyport School Committee meeting on April 29, 2025, focused primarily on the fiscal year 2026 budget, highlighting significant challenges and adjustments in funding for local schools. The committee discussed the impact of reduced federal funding, particularly from the USDA, which will affect food service programs, including the discontinuation of the Brown Box program that provided free food to students.

Despite these challenges, there was positive news regarding state funding. The Massachusetts House Ways and Means budget proposal includes a $20 million increase for the school meals program, ensuring that breakfast and lunch will continue to be provided for free to all students. This initiative has reportedly led to a significant increase in student participation in meal programs since the COVID-19 pandemic.

The budget discussion also revealed a proposed increase in per pupil aid under Chapter 70 funding, rising from $75 to $150 per student. This change would result in an additional $300,000 for Newburyport schools, which is seen as a crucial support for maintaining educational programs.

Overall, the budget for the upcoming year is characterized as a "survival budget," aimed at preserving existing programs rather than enhancing them. The committee proposed a 3% increase in city appropriation, ultimately settling for a 2.96% increase, with the overall school budget increasing by only 1.27%. This modest increase reflects a strategic shift towards utilizing more school choice and revolving accounts to manage funding.

Additionally, the committee noted a reduction in full-time equivalent positions (FTEs) by approximately 5.87, primarily due to unfilled positions. The only anticipated increase in personnel costs is linked to negotiated contracts with staff unions, with ongoing negotiations for the AFSCME union contract still in progress.

The meeting concluded with the committee addressing questions regarding the varying cost increases across the four schools, indicating a commitment to transparency and community engagement in the budgeting process.