Halifax Considers Override to Address School Budget Crisis
Board of Selectmen Implements Hiring Freeze Amid Financial Concerns
HALIFAX - February 11 - The Halifax Board of Selectmen is considering a potential override to address a projected $1.5 million deficit in the school budget for fiscal year 2026. The decision comes after the Halifax Elementary School Committee voted to pursue a level service budget and present an override option to the board for consideration.
During a joint meeting with the Finance Committee on Feb. 11, town officials discussed the financial challenges facing the school system and the town as a whole. Cody Haddad, Town Administrator, explained that several departments had requested double-digit percentage increases, but were asked to reduce their requests due to limited revenue growth.
"Our revenue growth is around 2.8% for this coming year. So any increase beyond that would pull from another department," Haddad said.
The Halifax Elementary School Committee's level service budget request was approximately a 23% increase over the previous year. Lauren Laws, chair of the Halifax Elementary School Committee, urged the board to consider an override.
"Can you please vote to at least put an override on the town warrant so we can start working towards something for our town?" Laws asked.
Board members expressed a willingness to explore the override option but emphasized the need for more information and collaboration between town departments.
"I think it's worth investigating two budgets, and it's worthy of the town and the children to investigate an override," said Selectman Thomas Pratt.
In response to the financial challenges, the Board of Selectmen voted unanimously to implement a hiring freeze effective March 1. The freeze will require all new hires to be approved by the Town Administrator and board.
"If we get into a situation where we have to reduce staffing, I would much rather not fill positions than have to actually reduce the staffing," Haddad explained.
The board also discussed the possibility of an overtime freeze but decided to gather more information before making a decision.
During the meeting, school officials presented information on the impact of potential budget cuts. Dr. Jill Proulx, School Superintendent, explained that cuts of this magnitude would likely require reductions in staffing.
"We examine, we try to look at trying to maintain programming for students. So we try very hard not to cut programs. We also look at class sizes," Proulx said.
Dr. Christine Panarese, Director of Student Services, addressed concerns about special education services, noting that approximately 23% of students in Halifax have disabilities.
"You're facing another situation where if you do not spend a certain amount of money, because not all of those costs are attributed to the town, the state provides many buckets of money. But if you do not meet your minimum spending for students with disability, you give up grants," Panarese explained.
In other business, Halifax's Town Green is set to host the fifth annual Halifax Pride celebration on June 8, 2025. The Board of Selectmen has given the green light for the event, which will run from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and feature live entertainment and activities for the whole family.
When asked about the nature of the performances, Lana Eldridge, one of the event coordinators, stressed the event's inclusive atmosphere. "This is a family-friendly celebration. It's great for kids, teens, adults, and seniors. If you're not interested in the entertainment we're offering, you're not obligated to attend."
Some local residents raised questions about the event's location and content. John Spada, a resident, asked if the celebration could be moved away from the playground area. Board Chairman John Bruno clarified that the town green is a public space open to all groups without discrimination.
Another resident, Karen Fava, inquired about the entertainment planned, specifically if there would be drag performers. Eldridge confirmed that, as in previous years, there would be drag performers but assured that "nothing has been inappropriate" in past celebrations.
The board emphasized that organizers must secure proper insurance and obtain all necessary permits, including those from the Board of Health and for police detail.
Selectman Jonathan Selig was appointed as the town's representative for a regional schools study, which will examine the possibility of regionalization.
The board also decided not to pursue compliance with MBTA zoning requirements, citing strong opposition from residents at a recent town meeting. This decision may lead to potential litigation from the attorney general's office.
The board encouraged residents to submit public comments on the new MBTA regulations, with Bruno stating, "If you have an objection to it, this is the time to do it so that they know it."