Pelham School Committee confronts $186k elementary deficit, explores tuition-based merger.
Pelham School Committee confronts $186,000 elementary deficit and considers tuition-based merger with Amherst. Superintendent Dr. Xi Herman presented two pathways at the January 22 special meeting: additional School Choice fund draws (roughly 26 percent of the current budget) or a tuition agreement
Board of Education · Meeting of February 3, 2026
AMHERST — Pelham School Committee confronts $186,000 elementary deficit and considers tuition-based merger with Amherst. Superintendent Dr. Xi Herman presented two pathways at the January 22 special meeting: additional School Choice fund draws (roughly 26 percent of the current budget) or a tuition agreement with Amherst requiring union and committee approval.
Finance Committee Chair John Trickey reported the town raised $135,000 in additional taxes for health insurance and retirement, with capital needs totaling $6 million over five to six years. The committee recommended a kindergarten-one multi-age classroom, temporary use of Choice funds, and a superintendent goal shift toward PES succession planning.
In the full story:
- The complete report — 377 words
Source: the Board of Education meeting of February 3, 2026, compiled from the official minutes.
Members read the rest of this story and every Amherst meeting we cover, in full.
Become a memberAlready a member? Sign inA 30-day free trial needs a payment method. After it, your membership renews at the price shown at checkout until you cancel, which you can do anytime from your account. Subscription terms
Share this brief
Know someone in Amherst who follows town government? Share Townbrief Amherst: they can sign up free.