Mattapoisett School Committee — April 7, 2026

The Mattapoisett School Committee held a public budget hearing on April 7, 2026, to review and adopt the proposed Fiscal Year 2027 school department budget. The meeting opened with recognition of Committee Member Carly Lavin for her six years of dedicated service, as she announced she would not seek reelection. Following remarks addressing the regional fiscal pressures and reaffirming strong committee support for the administration after a tense meeting the previous week with the Select Board and Finance Committee, the public hearing on the budget was formally opened.

Superintendent Michael S. Nelson and Assistant Superintendent of Finance and Operations Howie Barber presented the FY27 proposed operating budget. Barber detailed enrollment changes, state Chapter 70 funding limitations, special education and out-of-district tuition pressures, and offsets from grants and revolving accounts. The revised budget represented a reduction of 42 basis points from an earlier 4.88% draft to 4.36% ($375,963 increase) in general elementary operating expenditures. Public input included an inquiry by resident Kendra Broussard regarding the adjustments made since the previous week's presentation.

Following the close of the public hearing, the committee unanimously voted to approve the superintendent's proposed FY27 budget in the total amount of $9,198,624, comprising $8,994,057 for Mattapoisett Elementary Schools general operating and $204,567 for Bristol County Agricultural School District tuition and costs. The committee also unanimously approved transferring $70,000 from the school choice revolving account for operating expenditures before adjourning.

AI-generated summary. May contain errors. Watch the video to verify.