Page 2 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAY, JAnUArY 16, 2026 PUBLIC SCHOOLS | FROM PAGE 1 struction and timely academic supports that accelerate learning and close opportunity gaps. • Workforce Development and Leadership: Building a stable, skilled, and supported workforce through professional learning, collaborative leadership, and competitive compensation to retain and attract high-quality educators and staff. • Safe, Supportive, and Inclusive School Environments: Maintaining safe and welcoming learning environments where discipline, attendance and behavioral practices meet DESE requirements and every student feels supported and connected. • Family and Community Engagement, Operations and Resource Optimization: Strengthening partnerships, communication and operational systems to support student success while ensuring fiscal responsibility and long-term sustainability. “While maintaining these priorities, several factors present ongoing budgetary challenges,” Hashem noted in his budget message. The superintendent cited Collective Bargaining Agreements with three bargaining units whose agreements drive staffing costs, which are the largest portion of the budget. He noted that salaries, benefits and contractual obligations accounted for the bulk of the increase in his proposed budget – $1.9-million more, or a 7.3 percent increase. “Competitive compensation is essential for recruiting and retaining high-quality educators and staff in an increasingly competitive labor market,” Hashem said The budget for Special Education, supplies and services accounted for an increase of $757,429, or 15.9 percent, according to the superintendent. Regular supplies and services increase by $60,497, a 5.7 percent increase. The superintendent also cited these areas of concern, which can impact the budget significantly: • Out-of-District Placements, which reflected a budget increase of $567,890. “When student needs cannot be met within district programs, the district must provide services through external placements, which are substantially more costly,” Hashem said. “While we continue to expand in-district programs, these placements remain a significant budget factor,” he said. • Transportation Costs for Special Education increased by $189,539, while regular education transportation increased by $15,885, according to the superintendent. “Rising costs for both regular education transportation and specialized services for students with disabilities create additional pressures on the budBUDGET BRIEFING: Saugus Public Schools Superintendent Michael C. Hashem unveiled his proposed spending plan for the 2027 Fiscal Year budget at last week’s School Committee meeting. A public hearing on the superintendent’s budget is set for 6 p.m. next Thursday (Jan. 22) in the School Committee Room at Belmonte STEAM Academy at 25 Dow St. (Saugus Advocate photo by Mark E. Vogler) get,” he said. • Student Growth and Increasing Diversity: “Our student population continues to grow in both size and diversity. We must continue to provide additional support, such as English Learner programs, special education services, differentiated instruction, and culturally responsive teaching, which are necessary to ensure equitable access to education for all students,” Hashem said. “We are requesting a special education teacher at the middle school due to caseload management and there are escalating out of district costs. While the other mandates do not require additional FY27 budget allocations beyond contractual staff increases, they represent ongoing costs that must be sustained.” • Programmatic and Regulatory Requirements: Compliance with DESE regulations, safety requirements, and instructional standards requires ongoing investment in professional development, curriculum resources and student support systems. “While there are no specific additions to our current requests, these mandated costs impact virtually every aspect of our educational programs and operations and must be carefully considered as we plan for the continued success and safety of our students,” the superintendent said. “Despite these challenges, the district continues to identify efficiencies and strategic investments to maximize resources,” he said. Hashem noted the district has focused on securing curriculum resources through external grants and on expanding in-district special education programs to reduce out-of-district placement costs and has also implemented curriculum and instructional supports tailored to students from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds. “As we move into FY27, our focus remains on student-centered decision-making in collaboration with the broader Saugus community,” Hashem said. “Partners include the School Committee, Town Manager, Police and Fire Departments, Town Meeting members, Selectmen, Finance Committee, Saugus Youth and Recreation, Saugus Historical Commission, Saugus Alumni Association, SBEC, Facilities Department, DPW, and many others. Guided by our ‘One Town – One Team’ philosophy, we remain committed to making Saugus ‘Someplace Special’ for students, families, and staff,” he said. “While not all requests could be incorporated this year, the five-year Strategic Plan will continue to address the evolving needs of our middle and high school students. Transparency, strategic focus, and student-centered decision-making remain at the heart of this budget.” FY 27 Budget Requests The superintendent’s proposal includes $195,790 in additional requests: • An additional special education teacher at the Middle School to address caseload management ($68,057) • A STEAM elective teacher at the Belmonte STEAM Academy ($68,057) • An additional paraprofessional at the Belmonte STEAM Academy ($30,327) to meet student service requirements • Two Noon Aides at the Veterans Early Learning Center ($12,960) • An increase in supply needs at the Saugus Middle School ($3,776) and Saugus High School ($12,613)
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