Schools may need override in two years, School Committee members told

While reserve funds could help boost next year’s budget, Dartmouth voters may be looking at a Proposition 2 ½ override for the following year, when the timing might be better to make the request, Assistant Superintendent of Finance and Operations James Kiely told Dartmouth School Committee members at its Monday, July 22 meeting.

The next year’s budget, which begins July 1, 2025, can likely be covered by reserve funds, which is money put aside, as was the case with the most recent budget, he said. There will be about $1.8 million in the school choice reserve fund, he said.

He said while this involves “solving permanent problems with temporary solutions, or one-time solutions,’’ he described the approach as possibly “the best way forward.’’

Upcoming financial challenges include increases in health insurance, utility and transportation costs, he said.

Money from the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Fund, known as ESSER, will end this fall. These funds had been provided by the federal government to address the impact of the Covid pandemic on schools.

An override might be better suited for the next budget cycle, which begins July 1, 2026, for several reasons, he explained.

Town administration should be settled by then, with a new town administrator likely on the job for some time. The town is currently still searching for a new town administrator.

Support from town administration for an override is “key,’’ he said.

The strategic plan for the schools, which is currently being developed, will be in place by then, he said.

A two-year window also provides time to communicate the situation to voters, he added.

These factors combine, he said, to put the district in a better position to seek an override in two years, Kiely explained.

Planning plays a vital role, which means he will likely prepare a budget for next year and the year beyond simultaneously, he told committee members. He noted this means that the second year budget will feature even more unknowns, but having a framework will help make the situation clearer.

“It’s extremely painful to use savings to get by,’’ he said, referring to his plan for next year, but added, “I think it might be a way to proceed’’ and target the next year for an override.