THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAy, MAy 23, 2025 Page 3 “You have to spend within your means” T Operating budget approved by Town Meeting falls $1.4 million short of what Saugus Public Schools requested By Mark E. Vogler eachers, school administrators, parents and even students packed the back rows of both sides of the second floor auditorium at Saugus Town Hall Monday night (May 19) to advocate for the Annual Town Meeting to support full restoration of School Superintendent Michael Hashem’s $36.3 million operating budget request for the 2026 Fiscal Year that begins July 1. After more than an hour of testimony from supporters advocating for Town Meeting to come up with some $1.5 million to narrow the gap in the initial budget requested by the superintendent and Town Manager Scott C. Crabtree’s proposed operating budget for Saugus Public Schools, Meeting members voted overwhelmingly to support the town manager’s budget. Advocates for the schools argued that classes were underfunded and challenged, particularly for addressing the needs of Special Needs students. Precinct 2 Town Meeting Member Matthew Parlante’s motion to use free cash to fund the School Department’s operating budget failed, 34-8. “Free cash comes from line items that aren’t getting used,” said Parlante in his explanation as to how Town Meeting could close the budget gap. “There are items in our own budget that can be cut,” he said. In response to Parlante’s proposal, Crabtree called it a bad idea that “goes against the financial policies that we have.” “Frankly, this is irresponsible. It’s just reckless,” Crabtree said. “If this article is supported, it will have an effect on the bond 425r Broadway, Saugus Located adjacent to Kohls Plaza Route 1 South in Saugus at the intersection of Walnut Street We are on MBTA Bus Route 429 781-231-1111 We are a Skating Rink with Bowling Alleys, Arcade and two TV’s where the ball games are always on! PUBLIC SKATING SCHEDULE 12-7 p.m. Sunday Monday Tuesday $10.00 Price includes Roller Skates Rollerblades/inline skates $3.00 additional cost Private Parties 7:30-11 p.m. Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday $11.00 Price includes Roller Skates 18+ Adults Only After 7 PM - ID Required Private Parties Private Parties 4-8 p.m. $10.00 8:30-11 p.m. $11. 18+ Adults Only After 7 PM - ID Required 12-9 p.m. $10.00 Everyone must pay admission after 6 p.m. Sorry No Checks - ATM on site Roller skate rentals included in all prices Inline Skate Rentals $3.00 additional BIRTHDAY & PRIVATE PARTIES AVAILABLE www.roller-world.com rating,” the town manager said. “You have to spend within your means,” he said. Parlante insisted that the town had the money to fund Hashem’s request in full. “He has no idea what he’s talking about. It’s embarrassing, Crabtree said. Finance Committee Chair BUDGET | SEE PAGE 15 Kenneth DePatto called Parlante’s proposal a “bad business practice.” DePatto noted that some surrounding communities face fiscal hardships from taking that approach. “I strongly recommend that you don’t use
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