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Holliston Public Schools
FY2027 Budget Book · Fiscal Year July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2027
FY27 Level Service Budget
As of January 8, 2026 — Combined Summary of Parts I, II & III
FY26 Appropriation
$44.37M
Prior Year Total
FY27 Level Service Request
$46.58M
↑ 4.98% from FY26
Total Dollar Increase
$2.21M
↑ Year-over-Year
Town Offered Increase
3.25%
Placeholder — Not Guaranteed
What Is a Level Service Budget?
A Level Service budget is defined as taking the current year's level of services and projecting that same level of services forward one year. It does not add new programs or positions — it simply maintains what exists. A level services budget is necessary to keep HPS operating at its current capacity, including meeting contractual obligations, covering inflation-driven cost increases, and sustaining student services.
Part I — Payroll & Salaries
Largest cost driver: contracted staff compensation across all bargaining units
| Bargaining Unit / Category | FY26 Budget | FY27 Budget | $ Change | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HFT (Teachers) | $26,341,723 | $27,959,509 | +$1,617,786 | +6.14% |
| Paraprofessionals | $3,305,334 | $3,483,523 | +$178,189 | +5.39% |
| HEAU (Administrators) | $1,354,962 | $1,360,884 | +$5,922 | +0.44% |
| HSSA (Support Staff)* | $906,183 | $927,616 | +$21,433 | +2.37% |
| Nurses* | $585,751 | $633,295 | +$47,544 | +8.12% |
| Maintenance & Custodial | $491,461 | $502,637 | +$11,176 | +2.27% |
| HFT Stipends | $636,852 | $670,605 | +$33,753 | +5.30% |
| Individual Administrators | $1,623,603 | $1,679,739 | +$56,136 | +3.46% |
| Individual — Other | $1,052,068 | $995,207 | -$56,861 | -5.40% |
| Town | $16,049 | $16,530 | +$481 | +3.00% |
| Total Payroll | $36,313,986 | $38,229,545 | +$1,915,559 | +5.27% |
| Other Items (Subs, ESY, etc.) | $459,234 | $473,011 | — | — |
| Gross Total (All P/R Items) | $36,773,220 | $38,702,556 | — | — |
| Vacancy Adjustment | -$263,417 | -$279,595 | — | — |
| Offsets (Grants, Fees, etc.) | -$1,132,823 | -$994,029 | — | — |
| Part I Grand Total | $35,376,980 | $37,428,932 | +$2,051,952 | +5.80% |
* HSSA and Nurse contracts not yet settled as of this projection. Offsets include School Choice Tuition, Grants, Bus Fees, Athletic Fees, Facility Rentals, and Activity Fees.
Part II — Fixed Operating Costs
Non-payroll, non-special education costs: supplies, utilities, transportation, and maintenance
| Description | FY26 Appr. | FY27 Request | $ Change | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| School Committee | $11,500 | $11,500 | $0 | — |
| Superintendent Office | $55,458 | $55,458 | $0 | — |
| Legal Services | $18,000 | $36,000 | +$18,000 | HFT Contract Negotiation Year |
| Technology | $171,967 | $177,126 | +$5,159 | Inflation |
| Curriculum Contracted Services | $88,725 | $88,725 | $0 | — |
| Classroom Supplies | $200,377 | $203,331 | +$2,954 | Inflation |
| Textbooks | $55,910 | $55,910 | $0 | — |
| Testing & Assessment | $28,111 | $28,111 | $0 | — |
| Transportation Services | $1,301,448 | $1,342,534 | +$41,086 | New Contract & Norfolk Aggie |
| Athletics | $216,477 | $241,215 | +$24,738 | Supply Inflation |
| Custodial Services | $968,886 | $979,833 | +$10,948 | Yr 2 + Events/Weekends |
| Heating of Buildings | $405,843 | $418,019 | +$12,175 | Expense Correction |
| Utility Services (Electric) | $622,073 | $681,145 | +$59,072 | Electricity Delivery Increases |
| Maintenance of Buildings | $197,500 | $197,500 | $0 | — |
| Employee Insurance (Active) | $145,700 | $150,700 | +$5,000 | — |
| Norfolk Aggie Tuition | $503,804 | $597,718 | +$93,914 | Norfolk Aggie |
| All Other Line Items | $484,007 | $492,922 | +$8,915 | Various |
| Part II Grand Total | $5,480,786 | $5,757,617 | +$276,830 | +5.05% |
Part III — Student Services (Special Education)
Out-of-district tuition, transportation for special needs students, and therapeutic services
| Description | FY26 Appr. | FY27 Request | $ Change | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Legal Services (School Committee) | $25,000 | $25,000 | $0 | — |
| Curriculum Directors (Supervisory) | $108,000 | $108,000 | $0 | — |
| Medical / Therapeutic Services | $146,926 | $152,731 | +$5,805 | Contracted Services Inflation |
| Professional Development | $27,000 | $27,000 | $0 | — |
| Textbooks | $1,000 | $1,000 | $0 | — |
| Psychological Services | $84,130 | $84,130 | $0 | — |
| Medical / Health Services | $1,500 | $1,500 | $0 | — |
| Transportation Services (OOD) | $1,708,131 | $1,611,262 | -$96,869 | Level Service + Projection |
| Maintenance of Equipment | $3,622 | $3,622 | $0 | — |
| Admin. Technology (Districtwide) | $15,000 | $15,000 | $0 | — |
| OOD Tuition | $1,393,994 | $1,368,156 | -$25,838 | Level Service + Projection |
| Part III Grand Total | $3,514,303 | $3,397,401 | -$116,902 | -3.33% |
Note on Circuit Breaker Funding: Out-of-district tuition and transportation costs are partially reimbursed through Massachusetts Circuit Breaker funding. Tuition is reimbursed at 75% when fully funded. Transportation reimbursement was 75% in FY25 but is anticipated to be significantly lower for FY26. Funds received carry over to offset the next year's OOD tuition budget.
Combined Level Service Budget Summary
| Budget Area | FY26 | FY27 Est. | $ Change | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Part I — Payroll & Salaries | $35,376,980 | $37,428,932 | +$2,051,952 | +5.80% |
| Part II — Fixed Operating Costs | $5,480,786 | $5,757,617 | +$276,830 | +5.05% |
| Part III — Student Services (SPED) | $3,514,303 | $3,397,401 | -$116,902 | -3.33% |
| TOTAL | $44,371,069 | $46,583,950 | +$2,212,881 | +4.98% |
Superintendent's Proposed Budget
Presented February 12, 2026 — Dr. Susan Kustka & Dr. David Jordan
Context & Rationale
The Superintendent's proposed FY27 budget aligns with the final year of the 2022–2027 HPS Strategic Plan. Between the initial January 8 projection and the February 12 Superintendent's budget, payroll was revised downward by $483,593 due to known licensed educator turnover — 11 retirements saving $340,266, 4 resignations saving $100,133, and other payroll adjustments of $43,194. This brings the updated level services number to $46,100,357.
Jan 8 Level Services
$46.58M
+4.98%
Payroll Revision
-$483K
↓ Known Turnover Savings
Feb 12 Level Services
$46.10M
+3.89%
With Priority Needs
$46.26M
+4.25% Total
Payroll Changes: November → February
Licensed Educator Turnover Savings
| Category | Details | Savings |
|---|---|---|
| Retirements | 11 licensed educator retirements | -$340,266 |
| Resignations | 4 educator resignations | -$100,133 |
| Other Payroll Adjustments | Various corrections and shifts | -$43,194 |
| Total Payroll Change | -$483,593 |
Updated Level Services (Feb 9)
| Item | Amount | % Change |
|---|---|---|
| FY26 Appropriation | $44,372,069 | — |
| Payroll/Salaries | +$1,568,359 | +4.43% |
| Other Fixed Costs | +$276,830 | +5.05% |
| Student Services | -$116,902 | -3.33% |
| FY27 Level Services | $46,100,357 | +3.89% |
Town Budget Projection & Gap
The Town Manager's budget model uses a 3.25% placeholder increase for HPS. This is not guaranteed.
- Town 3.25% offer:~$45,814,162
- Level Services:$46,100,357
- Gap (before priority needs):-$286,195
- Gap %:0.64% deficit
Strategic Alignment: The FY27 budget is the final year of the 2022–2027 HPS Strategic Plan. The Superintendent's budget accounts for all new known adjustments to Level Services as of February 12, 2026. The budget will continue to be refined with the most accurate information leading up to the May Town Meeting. Transportation and tuition impacts remain uncertain and will be monitored closely.
HPS FY26 Grants — ~$645,000 Awarded
HPS administration and staff continuously apply for grants to fund programs without impacting the Town-supported operating budget. Grants are used for programs and initiatives that are not recurring and do not pay base salaries. For FY26 to date, HPS was awarded approximately $645,000 in grants — equivalent to roughly 1.4% of the operating budget — funding programs that otherwise could not have been supported.
Holliston School Committee Budget
Finance Committee Presentation — March 31, 2026
Presentation to Finance Committee
The Holliston School Committee presented its FY27 budget request to the Finance Committee on March 31, 2026. The HSC reaffirmed its commitment made during the 2024 override vote to operate within the Town Manager's 3.25% modeled budget increase. The committee demonstrated that through staff turnover, retirements, and enrollment-driven position adjustments, HPS has stayed within that commitment for a second consecutive year.
HSC Final Request
~$45.81M
+3.25% — Meeting Override Commitment
Override Projection Accuracy
~$3,600
↓ Within of Override Model
FY26 Grants Awarded
$645K
~1.4% of Operating Budget
IEP/504 Plans
↑ Rising
Significant Increase — Key Pressure
Key Themes from FinCom Presentation
Major issues presented to the Finance Committee
State Aid & Budget History
The HSC presented historical context on HPS budget and state aid trends. FY2024 was artificially boosted by the implementation of Full-Day Kindergarten (FDK). FY2025 was elevated due to an override vote. The FY27 request represents a return to a more normalized growth trajectory consistent with the pre-override model.
Special Education Pressures
Special education continues to be a major cost driver. Out-of-district (OOD) placements have been decreasing, but costs including transportation continue to rise. IEP and 504 plans have increased significantly, pressuring special educators, SSAs, and the Special Services Department. The OOD Coordinator request directly responds to this workload increase.
Enrollment & Class Sizes
Preliminary 2026–27 enrollment projections and class sizes were shared. The data is subject to change before the School Committee makes any additional School Choice seat decisions. Enrollment trends inform staffing ratios and position planning across all grade levels.
Override Commitment — On Track
During the 2024 override vote, the HSC committed to meeting the 3.25% Town Manager modeled increase. At the time, the committee anticipated that turnover, retirements, and enrollment-driven reductions would bridge the gap — and this has come to fruition for two consecutive years. The FY27 level service request of $45,814,162 is within approximately $3,600 of the override projection model.
Circuit Breaker Reminder: Massachusetts General Law Chapter 71B Section 5A and School Finance Regulations 603 CMR 10.07 govern circuit breaker reimbursements. Tuition reimbursement is 75% when fully funded; transportation reimbursement was 75% in FY25 but is anticipated to be significantly lower for FY26. These funds offset the OOD tuition budget in the following fiscal year.
MSBA Feasibility Study
School Building Authority Process
$2.5 Million MSBA Feasibility Request
Dr. David Jordan worked with James Keast and Frank Gervasio to arrive at a $2.5 million feasibility funding amount for the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) process. The MSBA does not provide specific guidance on how much funding to seek, and comparable districts have requested different amounts. The HSC voted to adopt $2.5 million as its request. The warrant language was reviewed and approved by both Town Counsel and MSBA Counsel.
District Priority Needs
FY27 New Position Requests — Above Level Services
These priority needs represent new positions and resources requested above and beyond level services. If approved by the School Committee and appropriated at Town Meeting, total budget rises to $46,258,357 (+4.25%). If approved but not appropriated, the result would be reductions elsewhere in the budget.
Total Priority Needs Request
$158,000
4 New Positions/Resources
Budget With Priority Needs
$46.26M
+4.25% vs. FY26
District-Wide
0.5 SSA / OOD Coordinator
Half-time Special Services Assistant focused on coordinating Out-of-District placements and managing the growing IEP/504 caseload across the district.
~$60,000
Arch #3: Teaching & Learning
Arch #4: Talent & Resources
Placentino & Miller Elementary Schools
0.5 ESL Tutor — Placentino
Half-time English as a Second Language tutor to support the growing Multi-lingual Learner (MLL) population at Placentino Elementary School.
~$14,000
Arch #3: Teaching & Learning
Placentino & Miller Elementary Schools
0.5 ESL Tutor — Miller
Half-time English as a Second Language tutor to support the growing Multi-lingual Learner (MLL) population at Miller Elementary School.
~$14,000
Arch #3: Teaching & Learning
Adams Middle School (RAMS)
1.0 Campus Supervisor
Full-time campus supervisor to address safety, student supervision, and school culture needs at the middle school level.
~$40,000
Arch #2: Social & Emotional Well-Being
Arch #4: Talent & Resources
Adams Middle School (RAMS)
Literacy / Reading Tutor
Dedicated literacy and reading tutor to support students who need additional reading intervention and foundational literacy support at the middle school.
~$30,000
Arch #3: Teaching & Learning
| Position | Location | FTE | Estimated Cost | Strategic Arch |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SSA / OOD Coordinator | District-Wide | 0.5 | ~$60,000 | Arch #3 & #4 |
| ESL Tutor (MLL) | Placentino Elementary | 0.5 | ~$14,000 | Arch #3 |
| ESL Tutor (MLL) | Miller Elementary | 0.5 | ~$14,000 | Arch #3 |
| Campus Supervisor | Adams Middle School | 1.0 | ~$40,000 | Arch #2 & #4 |
| Literacy / Reading Tutor | Adams Middle School | TBD | ~$30,000 | Arch #3 |
| TOTAL | 2.5 FTE | ~$158,000 |
Strategic Plan Alignment
All priority needs tie directly to the four strategic arches of the 2022–2027 HPS Strategic Plan. Year Five priorities focus on multi-lingual learner support (Arch #3), social-emotional well-being (Arch #2), and talent and resources (Arch #4). These are not enhancements — they address documented gaps in current service delivery.
Capital Requests
FY27 District Capital Budget — Teaching & Learning and Talent & Resources
District Capital Request
$3,335,000
Total As Submitted
Superintendent's Request
$3,240,000
↓ -$95,000 from District
Teaching & Learning
$525,000
Curriculum Resources
Talent & Resources
$2,715,000
Infrastructure & MSBA
Arch #3 — Teaching & Learning: Curriculum Resources
K–5 ELA Curriculum
Comprehensive English Language Arts curriculum adoption for kindergarten through grade 5
~$275,000
PreK–2 & Grades 6–8 Science Curriculum
Science curriculum resources for early elementary (PreK-2) and middle school (6-8) grades
~$150,000
HHS Textbooks & Curriculum
Holliston High School textbooks and curriculum materials related to the new schedule implementation
~$100,000
Teaching & Learning Subtotal
$525,000
Arch #4 — Talent & Resources: Infrastructure
Maintenance Truck
Replacement vehicle for district facilities and maintenance operations
$65,000
Technology Infrastructure
District-wide technology infrastructure upgrades, network and hardware improvements
$150,000
MSBA Feasibility Study
Massachusetts School Building Authority feasibility study funding. Amount developed collaboratively with Dr. Jordan, James Keast, and Frank Gervasio. HSC voted to adopt this request; warrant language approved by Town Counsel and MSBA Counsel.
$2,500,000
Talent & Resources Subtotal
$2,715,000
| Item | Category | District Request | Supt. Request |
|---|---|---|---|
| K–5 ELA Curriculum | Teaching & Learning | ~$275,000 | ~$275,000 |
| PreK–2, 6–8 Science Curriculum | Teaching & Learning | ~$150,000 | ~$150,000 |
| HHS Textbooks / Curriculum | Teaching & Learning | ~$100,000 | ~$100,000 |
| Maintenance Truck | Talent & Resources | $65,000 | $65,000 |
| Technology Infrastructure | Talent & Resources | $150,000 | $150,000 |
| MSBA Feasibility Study | Talent & Resources | $2,500,000 | $2,500,000 |
| Item Adjusted by Superintendent | — | $95,000 | Removed |
| TOTAL | $3,335,000 | $3,240,000 |
Charts & Data
Visual Summary of FY27 Budget Composition
Budget by Category (FY27)
Payroll Breakdown by Bargaining Unit
Year-Over-Year Comparison
FY26 vs FY27 by budget part
Budget Growth Summary
Largest Cost Driver
HFT Teachers
$27.96M · 73.1% of Payroll
Biggest Part II Increase
Electricity
+$59,072 · Delivery Increases
Student Services Savings
-$116,902
↓ OOD Transport & Tuition
Total FY27 Budget
$46.58M
+4.98% vs FY26
HSC-FY27 Budget Presentation- Fincom 3.31.26
VII. A. Updated FY27 Budget Recommendation March 12, 2026
HPS FY27 Budget
FY27 Budget Part I,II,III History
Part III_FY27
Part II FY27 Budget Process
VI. C. FY27 Part I HSC 11-13-25
Holliston School Committee Recommended FY2026 Budget
Budget Priority Needs FY 2026-2027
School Committee FY23 Budget Request
Updates to HPS F25 Budget 5-9-2024
HSC Budget Subcommittee Recommended FY25 Budget 3-27- 2024
Superintendent's Proposed FY'25 Budget 2-29-2024
Superintendent's Budget (2023-2024)
