New year, new budget at Dartmouth Public Schools

As the new year approaches, the school budget subcommittee is working on its funding plans for fiscal year 2027.

On Monday, Dec. 1, School Committee and subcommittee members Elizabeth Coughlin and Chris Oliver discussed funding needs and plans with Assistant Superintendent James Kiely.

The intention of the subcommittee is to request enough to keep maintaining the level of service they offer the students now, as well as stay consistent with their Strategic Plan to support and enhance student success. 

“I think that [the strategic plan] is sort of our compass to guide us through this process and what’s important, we’re anxious to implement it,” said Kiely. 

This year the key factors are staffing concerns, special educations, enrollment, transportation issues, utility costs and continuing the Five-Year School Choice Reserve Plan. 

The five-year school choice reserve spending plan was implemented last year. School choice allows out-of-district students to attend Dartmouth High School, and Dartmouth residents to attend other schools in the area.

Kiely stated that the school choice reserve plan is a “key component of this budget.”

The staffing concerns are that there are not enough teachers for the number of students in the district. Even though enrollment rates are expected to go down in 2027, with multiple proposed housing projects underway that could generate a total of 1,000 proposed units, there is potential for rates to increase. 

The subcommittee members are especially concerned with staffing for the special education classes, as the number of students who are high-need has risen from 29% to 44% in recent years. 

The school will transfer students to specialized schools when they do not have the resources to help the student, which is paid for by the Dartmouth public schools. Special education costs can be up to $300,000 per student, which is incorporated in the budget.  

In the past three years, three bus routes have been cut due to budget concerns. Due to the contracts with the bussing company, transportation costs will rise 7.5% for the majority of student transportation and 20% for special needs transportation. 

Utility costs are expected to rise in [year], and as a solution the schools are working closely with the Town Energy Manager to improve efficiency projects and go green. 

There are additional concerns with the budget that are not considered any of the key factors. This includes the fact that insurance rates are expected to rise by  double-digits, although the percentage is not yet available. The town is hoping to split the interest 25-75 for a higher deductible insurance. They are projecting level funding from grant programs, but this is not a guarantee. 

The budget will be approved by the Dartmouth School Committee around April, following months of editing based on recommendations by the school committee, town administration, select board and finance committee. If approved, it will be voted on at the Spring Town Meeting on Tuesday, June 2.