North Reading School Committee Adopts $42.5 Million FY27 Budget Unanimously

NORTH READING — April 27, 2026 — North Reading School Committee unanimously adopts a $42.5 million fiscal year 2027 school budget, a 4.3 percent increase. Business Manager Michael Connelly and Superintendent Dale Daly presented the final figure of $42,537,423 — up $300,011 from the March preliminary budget after late-emerging special education tuition costs were covered by additional revenue identified with town finance planners. The budget restores tutoring positions at the elementary and middle school levels, extends school adjustment counselor coverage to all five schools, and holds family user fees flat. Committee members praised the restoration but warned publicly that the district has eliminated more than 20 positions in recent years and faces what could be its highest-ever number of out-of-district special education placements. The committee also voted 5-0 to decline state school choice participation for another year, citing space constraints and enrollment pressure, and approved a new three-year custodians contract with raises of 4, 3, and 4 percent over the life of the deal.