Marblehead schools spent $493,704 on legal expenses in fiscal year 2025 — nearly 200% over its $165,000 budget.
Assistant Superintendent of Finance and Operations Mike Pfifferling pointed to the teachers strike as one factor for the overrun.
In addition to those expenses, the town paid $98,000 to a fired employee after a legal ruling, Pfifferling said. He declined to offer additional details saying it was a personnel issue.
In fiscal year 2024, the Marblehead schools’ central administration spent $334,734 on legal counsel, significantly more than the $105,000 it budgeted.
During an FY25 summary, Pfifferling said MPS spent about $200,000 more than expected for out-of-district placements and transportation.
The budget overruns were covered by savings in other line items, according to Pfifferling. He said the district would return $453,941 (or 1% of its fiscal year 2025 budget) to the town’s general fund, because the money was not spent.
Pfifferling attributed the extra money to several unfilled teacher positions that year, as well as coming in under budget on some supplies.
Leaky Veterans School roof shuts down MHTV
Serious roof leaks at the Veterans School shut down MHTV on Sept. 25, which is located in the building.
“Roof is in fact leaking over the D wing,” Robidoux emailed the Current. “Students had been relocated prior to the roof work on that section being started. The heavy rain last night into today has found its way into the building. The company and our facilities crew have been working to remediate.”
MHTV Executive Director Joan Goloboy said its entire facility, including the broadcast studio, is impacted.
MHS roof replacement timeline
The new high school roof replacement subcommittee met for the first time on Sept. 23. Ten general contractors have been prequalified to bid on the project which has a price tag of around $14 million, already approved by Town Meeting.
The following is an estimated timeline of next steps:
Oct 30: General contractor bids are due.
Week of Nov. 3: Lowest responsible bidder will be announced.
Nov. 4 or 5: Roof subcommittee will meet to choose whether to restore (with liquid applications) or recover (with a new membrane) the roof.
Nov. 6: Full School Committee will meet to hear those recommendations and vote to approve a general contract.
Nov. 10: Bring the contract to the Select Board for final approval.
June 2026: Construction begins
Anti-Discrimination Committee
Also at the Sept. 18 meeting, Robidoux presented an update on his Anti-Discrimination Committee, which he said is focusing mostly on antisemitism currently.
At the urging of several members, Robidoux was expected to meet with consultant
Dr. Miri Bar-Halpern, a clinical psychologist, advocate and speaker specializing in trauma and recovery. According to her website, she “helps individuals, families and communities navigate the impact of trauma with clarity, compassion, and evidence-based care.”
Robidoux said that conversation would help determine next steps, including meeting with students, reviewing the district’s anti-discrimination policy to make sure it specifically mentions antisemitism, and bringing in speakers for students, teachers and caregivers.
He also spoke about working with Darnisa Amante-Jackson to conduct a district equity audit.
Asked if the Anti-Discrimination Committee has a budget for these programs, Robidoux answered, “There is no specific budget for the committee.”
