Superintendent John Robidoux presented his level-funded fiscal 2027 budget to the School Committee Thursday night, proposing 14.75 full-time staff cuts. He had a dire warning if Marblehead doesn’t invest more in its schools.
“Continuing down the current financial path, our ability to enhance teaching and learning, increase academic rigor and provide appropriate support to students and staff will not be possible, and our educational environments will be decimated,” Robidoux said.
Asked whether the School Committee would request a property tax override to better fund the district, Chair Al Williams said, “That’s to be determined.”
The town’s Finance Committee instructed the district to level-fund its FY27 budget at $49,120,285, despite $2.5 million in rising costs and contractual increases.
Assistant Superintendent of Finance and Operations Mike Pfifferling released an initial round of proposed cuts and later added more to close the gap.
Among the staff reductions are one elementary school teacher, one Veterans School teacher, three high school teachers, a special education teacher at Village School, one maintenance staff member and one human resources assistant position.
In addition to staff cuts, Pfifferling tapped revolving funds — including those for kindergarten and special education — and level-funded supplies, professional development and technology.
“This equates to significant staffing funds and operational efficiencies that place constraints on our ability to provide high-quality, rigorous education to our students,” Robidoux said.
Some of the identified savings will run out within one to three years, Pfifferling said.
Budget breakdown
Salaries account for the largest share of the school budget, followed by out-of-district tuition, contracted services and transportation. Here’s a look at the top costs:
- Salaries: $37,790539
- Out-of-district tuitions: $3,219,275
- Contracted services: $2,573,205
- Transportation: $1,962,779
- Utilities: $1,877,716
- Supplies: $913,976
Enrollment questions
Robidoux also addressed concerns about declining enrollment in Marblehead schools over the past decade.
“When people say, ‘Are the schools doing their job? Are they looking at staffing and what we need?’ I contend that over 10 years we’ve reduced 37.9 FTE (full-time) teachers, and we’re proposing another 12.75 reductions on the teaching side. That’s a third of the total amount, and I think that’s important to understand.”
He spoke passionately about the need to fund the schools.
“We need folks to come bang the gong,” Robidoux said. “We can’t do same-old, same-old Marblehead. It’s not going to work. We have to advocate for schools.”
Next steps
The proposed budget can be reviewed HERE. Robidoux urged residents to attend the public hearing on the proposed budget Feb. 26, when they will be able to ask questions and discuss budget decisions.
The School Committee is expected to vote on the budget in March before sending it to the Finance Committee and, ultimately, Town Meeting for approval.
