Balanced Budget In 2026-27, the Newton Public School district is projected to serve approximately 11,538 students in an integrated preschool, fifteen elementary schools, four middle schools, two high schools, two alternative high school programs, and placements in out-of-district special education schools. The FY27 City’s Proposed Budget allocation is $314,574,126 and includes a $17.1 Million increase, or 5.75%, over the FY26 budget of $297,469,623. Both total amounts include the Education Stabilization Account as well as grossing up the one-time funds in FY26 of $4.5 M in the NPS Base budget. Salaries and benefits make up approximately 87% of o the NPS budget. NPS initially presented a budget that was $2.75 million over and above the budget allocation currently provided by the city. After a thorough and collaborative process, the School Committee voted on a budget of $314,574,126, which is an increase of $17.1 million, or 5.75% from FY26. The budget balances with the mayor’s allocation for the school department. The School Committee arrived at its proposal after carefully reviewing enrollment trends, analyzing staffing and programmatic requests from our Superintendent, school leaders, community members and families; seeking revenue and efficiencies within our system; ensuring we were meeting our contractual obligations; and meeting the social, emotional, and academic needs of our students. Furthermore, the School Committee prioritized strengthening the middle school math program by adding eight math specialist positions—two at each middle school. These specialists will provide targeted support to students who are not yet meeting benchmarks while also enhancing rigor and creating learning opportunities for students ready for greater challenges The FY27 School Committee Approved budget accomplishes the following: • Assumes the full cost of Full Day Kindergarten Aides • Adds funding for YONDR pouches at the Middle School • Adds 15 minutes at the elementary school day on Wednesdays • Funding for Bridge and Reflections Staff (2.0 FTE) • Adds 2.0 Teachers to Bigelow for enrollment and student need • Adds 8.0 Math specialists as part of our Thrive vision and commitment to MTSS (Multi-Tiered Systems of Support) and funds the Calculus Project and a Summer Math program • Includes Paraprofessionals required by students IEP in FY26 • Funds contractual rate increases and rising benefit and non-salaried expenses • We are also pleased to have one time funding support from the mayor’s office of $325,000 to purchase Science Curriculum. This funding is not embedded into the NPS budget.
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