Wilmington's School Budget Could Take A Hit Of $500K

WILMINGTON, MA — The Wilmington Finance Committee has recommended a $500,000 reduction to the school department’s operating budget for Fiscal Year 2023, said School Committee Chair Jennifer Bryson.

The recommendation was made after the district worked collaboratively with the town to come up with a budget that could be fiscally supported by the town while still allowing the school department to meet the educational, social, and emotional needs of Wilmington students.

According to the Finance Committee, the primary reason for the recommendation is the enrollment decline that Wilmington Public Schools has experienced and the belief that the district is not doing enough to address the issue.

"A $500,000 reduction to the overall budget will have a direct impact on students,” said Bryson in a letter to the school community. Wednesday. "As a school system, almost 80 percent of our operating budget is directly tied to staffing. Consequently, reductions to the overall operating budget will inevitably include a reduction of positions which will impact programs and opportunities we can offer.”

The district is urging residents to attend the Annual Town Meeting, which will be held on April 30 at 9 a.m. at Wilmington High School, to vote in favor of the School Committee’s budget.

To read Bryson’s full letter, click here.