Holliston committee approves $44.51 million recommended budget; cites retirements, enrollment shifts in trimming requests
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Summary
The committee approved a recommended fiscal 2026 budget of $44,511,069 (about a 3.58% increase). The budget subcommittee said the level‑of‑service budget meets the district’s 3.25% commitment largely through turnover, retirements and modest position reductions.
The Holliston School Committee on March 27 adopted a recommended operating budget of $44,511,069 for fiscal 2026, a 3.58% increase over the current year, the committee’s budget subcommittee reported. The subcommittee said the underlying level‑of‑service budget is 3.26%, meeting the district’s earlier pledge to limit increases while preserving staff.
Budget drivers and savings. Presenters told the committee they reached the target largely through natural turnover and lower‑cost replacements, anticipated retirements (estimated savings roughly $65,000), and planned reductions tied to enrollment shifts. The subcommittee recommended eliminating four unfilled paraprofessional positions and 2.5 positions driven by enrollment changes; administrators said those adjustments will be implemented only where retirements or resignations create openings and that required special‑education services will be maintained.
Enrollment and capital notes. Administrators reported early kindergarten pre‑enrollment suggesting about 70 incoming kindergartners, up from last year’s low; they also noted roughly 330 high‑school students had completed course selection during the scheduling window. A capital request on the budget includes Wi‑Fi upgrades for Rams and the high school (about $75,000) with an expected reimbursement of roughly $30,000.
Why it matters. The committee said meeting the 3.25% target without layoffs is a notable outcome given budget pressures in other districts. Committee members stressed the need to preserve instructional services while using turnover and administrative adjustments to control costs.
What the committee approved. The committee voted to adopt the recommended budget and a prioritized list of supplemental “priority needs” that the committee could pursue if additional funds become available. Those priorities included additional English‑language learner support, middle‑school math tutoring and targeted academic‑support staff at the high school.
Next steps. The recommended budget will be presented to the town finance committee and posted for the public; administrators said they will continue outreach and finalize position details as retirements and resignations are confirmed.