Important Vote On Medfield School Funding At May 4 Town Meeting

Important Vote on Medfield School Funding at May 4 Town Meeting

As we approach the end of a great school year in the Medfield Public Schools, we are looking ahead to challenges and opportunities next year.

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Like school districts across the Commonwealth, Medfield is struggling with a structural budget deficit: Several major costs – including salaries, transportation, and utilities – are escalating much faster than the revenue available to support them. Therefore, the budget request for next year reflects some difficult decisions and remaining uncertainty.

The final budget ultimately will be decided by the outcome of a $1.9 override proposal, and the first opportunity for Medfield voters to participate in that decision is at Town Meeting on Monday, May 4, 7:00 pm at the Medfield High School Gymnasium.

Working closely with Superintendent Jeffrey Marsden and his team, the School Committee approved a budget that includes a 3.64% increase over last year. This is not a “level service” budget, which would have required an increase of about 5%, but it is a fiscally responsible plan that supports our district priorities. The proposal minimizes reductions and preserves core academic programs and student support services. It is designed to provide an excellent education for all students while upholding our responsibility to thoughtful stewardship of taxpayer resources.

Residents of Medfield have an important voice in the outcome of the budget process:

• The expected allocation from the Town includes a 1.8% increase over the current year, leaving a funding gap of $821,000.

• To help close that gap, the Town has proposed a Proposition 2½ override for $1.9 million, about 75% of which would be allocated to schools over two years.

• Medfield voters will be asked to approve or defeat that override. For the override to pass, a majority of voters must approve the measure twice: at Town Meeting on May 4 and a Special Election on June 8.

• If the override is defeated, the School Committee will have to identify additional reductions. The scenarios we would consider include eliminating more than 12 teaching positions at the elementary, middle, and high school level, resulting in slightly higher class size district-wide. The additional reductions also may have an impact on other programs.

Town Meeting will consider several other articles related to schools, including capital investments and funding for a new literacy curriculum and other key initiatives. See the full proposed budget at www.medfield.net.

We recognize that these are complex decisions. We remain committed to clarity, thoughtful planning, and maintaining the strength of Medfield Public Schools. As always, we are grateful for the support of a community that cares deeply about public education.

For more information about the proposed override, visit the Medfield Public Schools website or download a one-page flyer.

We hope to see you at Town Meeting on Monday, May 4!

Michelle Kirkby - Chair, Medfield School Committee