Cohasset School Committee Grapples with Budget Shortfall, New Superintendent Outlines Vision

Transportation costs exceed budget by $475,000 as district faces financial challenges

COHASSET, MA - September 4 - The Cohasset School Committee met Wednesday to discuss significant budget shortfalls for the 2024 fiscal year and hear the new superintendent's entry plan for the district.

Susan Owen, Director of Finance and Operations, reported that the district spent $23,386,707 out of a $23,404,421 budget for FY2024, nearly 100% of the allocated funds. Transportation costs alone exceeded the budget by $475,000.

"We pretty much spent a hundred percent of our budget," Owen said. "And then some, it took some balancing."

The district had to use a significant portion of its circuit breaker funds to balance the budget, a departure from previous years when these funds could be carried forward.

Utility costs also increased significantly, with electricity costs rising from $394,000 to $515,000 year-over-year.

Committee members expressed concern about the budget overruns and discussed the need for more detailed analysis of transportation costs and other expenses.

"I would love to learn more about what our projections are versus what our budget is versus what our projections are and close that gap," said committee member Lance Dial.

In response to the financial challenges, the committee discussed potential measures including implementing transportation fees and freezing the budget earlier in the year.

New Superintendent Sarah Shannon presented her entry plan to the committee, emphasizing community engagement and a thorough learning process.

"My approach will be grounded in curiosity, inquiry, and humility," Shannon said. "By engaging with students, staff, and families and analyzing various data sources, I aim to gain a comprehensive understanding of our district and community."

Shannon's entry plan includes four phases, with findings to be presented to the committee in mid-March. The plan will focus on equity and belonging within the district.

"Making sure that everybody in our district has a sense of belonging is really important to me, and so that will be a focus of mine throughout the entry plan process," Shannon explained.

The committee also approved revisions to two policies related to Title IX compliance, removing the name of a new staff member who has not yet completed required training.

In other business, the committee discussed the need for more regular communication with the select board on budget matters. Committee member Ted Carr suggested quarterly joint sessions to discuss financial forecasting and overall budget concerns.

The meeting concluded with a move into executive session to discuss collective bargaining strategy.