Regional schools debate FY26 budget deficit at four-town meeting
Amherst-Pelham regional schools discuss FY26 budget deficit at four-town meeting. The Amherst-Pelham Regional School Committee, with representatives from Amherst, Pelham, Leverett, and Shutesbury, held a budget discussion December 14 at Amherst Regional Middle School Library, chaired by Sarahbess
Board of Education · Meeting of January 28, 2025
Amherst-Pelham regional schools discuss FY26 budget deficit at four-town meeting. The Amherst-Pelham Regional School Committee, with representatives from Amherst, Pelham, Leverett, and Shutesbury, held a budget discussion December 14 at Amherst Regional Middle School Library, chaired by Sarahbess Kenney (Pelham). The proposed FY26 budget applies a 4 percent base increase and an additional 3 percent across-the-board to all departments, creating a deficit.
Amherst, at its tax levy cap, continues to advocate for returning to the modified statutory assessment method last agreed upon regionally in 2008. Leverett indicated confidence in a 4 percent assessment increase and said it would likely offer more if needed. Shutesbury expressed concern that any deficit should not exceed $1.2 million.
No votes were taken.
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Source: the Board of Education meeting of January 28, 2025, compiled from the official minutes.
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