Business official Michael Connolly briefed the School Committee on the district’s fiscal‑year‑2026 October budget report, saying expenditures and payroll activity are generally tracking as forecasted but noting areas that require close monitoring.

"We were able to take some steps as we have typically done at the end of fiscal 2025 through prepaying special education tuitions," Connolly said, explaining the district used that approach this year to reduce exposure to unanticipated costs. He told the committee that academic supports and tutoring for special‑education students have been encumbered and that certain maintenance projects have required use of the extraordinary maintenance line.

Connolly said the food‑service program continues to perform well under universal free breakfast and lunch, with more than 70% of students taking meals. He also reported an uptick in long‑term substitute hires to cover leaves and said payroll will be monitored closely throughout the year. Committee members flagged ongoing uncertainty about special‑education cost trends and the prospect of higher health‑care premiums as the two largest fiscal risks for the coming year.

Committee members asked about fixed‑cost items such as transportation contracts and utility (gas and oil) lines. Connolly said transportation obligations are essentially fixed for the contract year; utilities are being tracked monthly and the district will make adjustments if trends change.

No formal vote was required on the presentation; administrators said they would continue to report monthly and raise any emergent budget pressures to the committee for consideration.