The annual review of FY 25 West Boylston Public Schools budget was held at last night’s Select Board meeting prior to the May 20, 2024 Town Meeting. The Town Administrator presented the total Town appropriation of $14,137,414 for the District. If the Proposition 2 ½ Override is approved, the appropriation will increase by an  additional $300,000. The total operating budget for the District is $16,616,594, which will also increase by $300,000 if the override is successful.  As has been stated previously, although the District has a structural deficit of ($1,019,055), the deficit can be managed by relying heavily upon projected sources of revenue (circuit breaker/ extraordinary relief) and reconfiguring existing programming and priorities. The District does not believe a “reduction in force” is necessary this fiscal year.

The West Boylston Finance Committee will host an educational forum on Monday, May 13 at 6:00 to discuss historical revenue and expense trends in West Boylston as well as the challenges presented in the FY25 Budget, including options to address them, both now and in the coming years. West Boylston Public Schools will be represented at the forum.

Please review the Proposition 2 ½ override information below at your convenience. 

Proposition 2 ½ Override Proposed for Fiscal Year 2025

(West Boylston, MA)- Residents will be asked to consider a 4 million dollar Proposition 2 ½ override at the upcoming May 20, 2024 Semi-Annual Town Meeting and June 4, 2024 Annual Municipal Election.  The proposed override is split equally between municipal and school operations and is designed to cover expected cost increases over the next five years.  To pass, the override must pass both at Town Meeting and at the Municipal Election.   
The Town and the Schools each have structural deficits, relying on one-time funds to balance their respective budgets as opposed to solely relying on recurring revenue streams.  At the same time both have been faced with increasing costs precipitating the need to request residents consider an override.   
“The decision to bring forward an override at this time was not taken lightly,” said Town Administrator Jennifer Warren-Dyment.  “While the Town is facing difficulties in making ends meet, I recognize that many of our residents are also facing similar challenges at home.  I hope that folks will lean in and ask the difficult questions so that they may make an informed decision.”
Although a 4 million dollar override is being presented, the entire amount will not be used in Fiscal Year 2025.  If passed, the Town Administrator is proposing to fund the schools by an additional $300,000 and no longer rely on $300,000 of free cash that was used to balance the budget. 
The Finance Committee will be holding a Budget Informational Public Forum on May 13, 2024 at 6:00 p.m at the Senior Center.  The Finance Committee will be focusing on historical budgetary trends in West Boylston and looking ahead to future fiscal years.