A Saugus parent wonders: Saugus Has the Resources — Are We Using Them Wisely for Our Schools? Page 4 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAy, ApriL 4, 2026 ~ Letter to the Editor ~ I f the Town Manager and the Saugus Board of Selectmen do not correct their school budget recommendation and move it to a level service budget, it sends a clear message to the Saugus community about where our schools fall in terms of priority. Over the last two budget cycles, the school department has received some of the lowest proportional increases, generally in the range of 2–3 percent. Looking at proportional increases matters because it shows how fast each part of the budget is growing over time, not just how many dollars are added. At the same time, our town is fiscally strong, with approximately $40 million in stabilization and free cash. Even if an estimated $16 million is set aside for infrastructure, that still leaves roughly $24 million available. Using a small portion of that strategically would not weaken our financial position J& • Reliable Mowing Service • Spring & Fall Cleanups • Mulch & Edging • Sod or Seed Lawns • Shrub Planting & Trimming • Water & Sewer Repairs Joe Pierotti, Jr. — it would reflect the flexibility those reserves are meant to provide. In addition, Chapter 70 aid can be used either to increase school funding or to offset the town’s required contribution. In recent years, it appears that increases have been used more to stabilize the town budget than to expand school funding. A lack of investment in education has long-term consequences. Strong schools are directly tied to stronger commuS LANDSCAPE & MASONRY CO. Masonry - Asphalt • Brick or Block Steps • Brick or Block Walls • Concrete or Brick Paver Patios & Walkways • Brick Re-Pointing • Asphalt Paving www.JandSlandscape-masonry.com • Senior Discount • Free Estimates • Licensed & Insured 617-389-1490 10 Everett Ave., Everett 617-389-3839 Celebrating 67 Years in Business! n Roofing fng Designing and Constructing Ideas that are “Grounds for Success” Landscaping nities, economic stability, and public safety. As the current administration’s plan for Saugus continues to rely on high-density housing as a revenue strategy, the need to invest in our schools becomes even more critical. A simple and fair solution would be to bridge the approximately $1.7 million gap between the current recommendation and the school department’s request through a targeted use of reserves, paired with a clear and collaborative plan with the School Committee, Board of Selectmen & town manager for sustainable school funding in FY28 and beyond. The town has invested a significant amount into a new school building, and we should be proud of that. But the job is not finished. We are not properly staffing that investment, and it is impacting our community. When our education system suffers, so does everything else. It affects home values, it limits economic growth, and it increases long-term pressure on taxpayers. Without diversified revenue streams, we continue to rely on residential growth, which puts additional strain on our schools over time. As a resident of Precinct 2, I see firsthand how much Cliftondale needs investment and revitalization and the potential it has. We have residents who have already put time and effort into planning what that could look like. That kind of development would bring needed services into our town and generate revenue in a way that strengthens the budget without overburdening taxpayers. And it does not require an outsized investment to begin revitalizing Cliftondale and turning it into a stronger revenue source and a place residents want to spend time. Growth does not have to mean apartments alone. It can mean building a stronger, more balanced local economy. Strategic investment does not mean draining reserves - it means using them responsibly to move the town forward. Saugus is a close-knit community full of people who show up for each other. As a newer mom of school aged kids, I’ve seen how much families here care about this town and about our kids collectively. Our children deserve strong support both at home and in school. They will carry what they learn here into the future of this community. I encourage residents to reach out to their Town Meeting members and ask them to support a level service school budget for FY27. We have the ability to do better, and it is time to align our budget with the needs of our community. Thank you for your time. Sara Petruzzelli Saugus Resident and Parent, Precinct 2. Spring is Here!
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