THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – FRiDAy, ApRil 24, 2026 Page 9 SCHOOL BUDGET | FROM PAGE 1 the increase in Fiscal Year 2026, as a result of lower federal aid to the state, increases in costs at the state level and a decrease, albeit minor, in the student enrollment in Everett. 6,902 students was the number submitted to DESE October 1, but the anticipated number for Fiscal Year 2027 is 6,697. 6,902 is 339 lower than the student population in Fiscal Year 2025. Chapter 70 aid was $126,865,223 in Fiscal Year 2026 and $127,440,573 for Fiscal Year 2027, an increase of .45%, with the Required Local Contribution $45,646,412 in Fiscal Year 2026 and $7,849,900 for Fiscal Year 2027, an increase of 1.49%. Bennett said the Chapter 70 increase from Fiscal Year 2025 to Fiscal Year 2026 was 7.5%. “While we did lose students, we lost an inordinate amount of state support,” Hart feels. “The numbers are not consistent with the inMCGONAGLE | FROM PAGE 1 wealth to achieve its long-term transportation goals. “Investing and improving our transportation infrastructure, including public transportation, roads and bridges, is one of the most important things we can do in the Commonwealth,” said McGonagle. “These are things that are used by everyone, everyday for essential reasons. Keeping up with their maintenance and renovation helps keep Massachusetts moving. I’m grateful to the leadership in the Commonwealth for recognizing these needs and consistently prioritizing. Thank you to Speaker Mariano, Chair Michlewitz and Chair Finn for championing this cause.” “Providing funding for critical infrastructure projects through investments in the Commonwealth’s public transportation, roads, and bridges is one of the most important responsibilities that we have as members of the Legislature,” said House Speaker Ronald J. Mariano (D-Quincy). “I’m proud of the support for local infrastructure repairs that this legislation provides, and of the funding included for the MBTA. I want to thank Chairman Arciero, Chairman Finn, and all my colleagues in the House for supporting this creases in expenses our budget must account for.” “While our obligations continue to rise, state aid continues to decrease,” Barrett added. Nevertheless, Hart said, “The budget doesn’t blur our vision, alter our course or slow our momentum. It keeps us sound operationally. It doesn’t close programs or change the way we deliver key services. It provides students the supports they need and deserve, maintains the academic instruction crucial to student success and allows us to move forward with critical new programs.” Among them are full day prekindergarten classes and immersion programs in Portuguese and Spanish. Some of the funding will be available as the result of a cap on chargebacks from City Hall of $36 million at the behest of Mayor Robert Van Campen. The City pays for some things not included in Net School Spending or the school budget, but then imposes a charge vital legislation.” “Continuing the needed support for the Commonwealth’s transportation infrastructure and programs, this legislation reauthorizes over $3 billion in programs from the 2022 Transportation Bond Bill and it mirrors the success of last year’s Chapter 90 increase for road mileage to grow regional equity. Thank you to House Speaker Ron Mariano and Chairman Aaron Michlewitz for their leadership while we navigate the Commonwealth’s fi scal responsibilities with the lack of a federal partner. The House continues to proceed with caution while balancing the signifi cant transportation needs of our cities and towns,” said Representative James Arciero (D-Westford), who is House Chair of the Legislature’s Joint Committee on Transportation. “I am proud to see another annual Ch. 90 bill fund the Commonwealth’s immediate municipal roadway and transportation needs. This year’s legislation also gives the Administration the fl exibility to deploy additional funds towards large-scale transportation investments which may arise over the next few years. I would like to thank Speaker Mariano and Chair Michlewitz for their leaderMCGONAGLE | SEE PAGE 11 WE CAN HELP PAY YOUR HEATING BILLS. Qualifying households get up to $1,400 You may qualify for ABCD’s Fuel Assistance program and be eligible for as much as $1,400 towards your heating costs (oil, gas, or electric). APPLICATIONS MUST BE SUBMITTED BY APRIL 30TH or chargeback on the School Department to cover those items. The cap means the City will pay for everything over $36 million. In Fiscal Year 2026 it was $35,771,530, with estimates for Fiscal Year 2027 at close to $41 million, according to Barrett. The cap means the City will cover any expenses over $36 million without a chargeback. “It provided us with an additional $5 million, reinvested to save positions and 48 staff members,” Barrett elaborated. “Cutting in student expenses is nonnegotiable, to make sure students of the Everett Public Schools never want for what they need and to make the Everett Public Schools a model for urban success,” Van Campen said. “It’s very important we thank the Mayor for making accommodations with chargebacks,” Ward 3 School Committee member Jeanne Cristiano feels. “This is what happens when the School Committee has a functioning and positive relationship with City Hall.” In addition, some costs were cut by not refi lling some positions vacated through retirements or terminations. “New requests were off set by reductions we found, including a net reduction of 55 staff members, including a reduction of 4 in school administrative personnel,” Barrett said. Looking ahead, Hart said the City and school system “must continue to push forward with space solutions through the near-term issues in elementary schools to the longterm dream of building a new High School. (The elementary schools are actually K-8 neighborhood schools because Everett lacks a Middle School. Some of the overcrowding will be relieved when 7th and 8th grade classes are moved to the old High School.) “Even though we lost students, the overcrowding will continue,” Barrett added. “Last year we graduated the largest High School class in our history, but even in overcrowded classrooms teachers fi nd ways to be creative. This budget ensures every student starts with a strong foundation for success.” Hart also said, “We’re rethinking how our High School students get the best education whether it’s inside or outside the building, acknowledging the practices of the last 10-15 years may not be the best for tomorrow. We must continue to explore expanding career and technical education.” He added that classes in multimedia programming and broadcasting and public safety are examples. Hart also pointed out some recent successes in the school system, including increasing daily attendance from 88.4% to over 92% and meeting other DESE targets. “We are transforming the Everett Public Schools into an urban model of excellence and success,” he concluded. SEE INCOME ELIGIBILITY GUIDELINES AND APPLY AT BOSTONABCD.ORG/HEAT Boston, Brookline and Newton residents: 617.357.6012 Everett, Malden, Medford, Melrose, Stoneham, Winchester and Woburn residents: 781.322.6284
10 Publizr Home