The Plympton School Committee reviewed a preliminary FY27 budget requesting $4.6 million—a 3% increase over current spending—that would raise the town’s assessment by $100,890, though state aid offsets will reduce the net taxpayer impact.
Superintendent Jill Proulx presented the preliminary FY27 budget at the Dec.15 meeting, outlining a $4,592,367 level service budget that maintains current programming while accommodating contractual obligations. The request represents a $134,490 increase over the FY26 budget of $4,457,877, with the town’s assessment rising to $2,972,933.
“We want to make sure that we’re supporting students’ needs academically and developmentally,” Proulx said. “We attempt to maintain class sizes and the structure necessary for effective instruction. We consider and respond to the fiscal conditions of the town, and we work to support the strategy for district improvement.” The committee had requested a level service budget plus information about restoring positions if funding allows, as well as alternative scenarios showing 2.5% increase and level-funded options.
Committee Chair Jason Fraser welcomed the modest increase. “I was pleasantly surprised with where we’re coming in,” he said. “It’s not a number that’s going to keep me up at night. We’ve had a few years of that.”
State aid helps offset the local cost. The district’s Chapter 70 funding has grown to over $1.1 million from under $500,000 in recent years. “We should be reminding people of that,” Fraser said, suggesting the committee emphasize these contributions when presenting to the Finance Committee. Members acknowledged uncertainty about state funding decisions expected in coming months, with projections that Chapter 70 allocations will remain relatively level with last year.
Finance Director Sarah Hickey is retiring in February after years managing the district’s finances. Five school committees—Silver Lake Regional, Union 31, Plympton, Halifax, and Kingston—met jointly December 18 via Zoom to approve hiring Hickey’s replacement. The new director would start in January to allow overlap for training on what Proulx called “this very complicated position.”
Fraser endorsed the overlap expense. “I think it’s money well spent from my personal perspective,” he said, noting information from a recent chairs meeting made the decision clear.
The committee unanimously approved posting a maintenance custodian position at Dennett Elementary to replace a traditional custodian role. The change is cost neutral this fiscal year and will be integrated into the FY27 budget.
Principal Peter Veneto reported enrollment remains stable at 255 students. Recent activities included ALICE safety training for staff Nov. 5, implementation of the new HMH math program with consultant support, and participation in the PRISM grant program for English Language Arts curriculum review. “We had a lot of new staff that this was new information for,” Veneto said of the ALICE training. “It was good conversation, challenging conversation, but obviously safety of most importance.”
Assistant Superintendent Dr. Tricia Clifford reported HMH consultants conducted model lessons and will return in January for additional coaching. The district is also working with TNTP consultants through the PRISM grant on classroom observations and data analysis to inform the English Language Arts program review. The Curriculum Council is reviewing new programs for implementation next year, with recommendations expected in spring.
The committee approved its consent agenda and eight policies on second reading, including student fundraising activities (Policy JJE). Fraser noted the policy may affect rules for Community and School Association parent organization fundraisers.
Committee member Jon Wilhelmsen reported the regionalization study’s initial December meeting was postponed due to a posting error. The first kickoff meeting with consultants has been rescheduled for January. “This will be a good 18 months, so there won’t be anything coming quickly,” Wilhelmsen said, “but I think we have it set up for some good discussion and good research to provide the information that we need to actually talk with facts about it.”
Fraser announced he would work with newer member Ross MacPherson on subcommittee assignments before the next meeting. The capital improvement team will meet with Veneto to develop the FY27 capital plan. Dennett Elementary had early release Dec. 23 at 12:30 p.m., with school resuming Jan. 5, 2026.
The 3% budget increase will determine educational services for Plympton’s 255 elementary students while raising the town’s assessment by $100,890. State funding—including $1.1 million in Chapter 70 aid—reduces the net burden on taxpayers. The relatively modest increase compared to some recent budgets signals some hope for budget stability after several challenging years.