Hanover School Committee Approves $41 Million Budget for FY26
Restoration of cut positions drives $4.3 million increase
HANOVER - January 28 - The Hanover Public School Committee voted unanimously Jan. 28 to approve a $41,083,046 budget for fiscal year 2026, representing a $4.3 million increase from the previous year to restore positions cut due to funding deficits.
The committee's decision comes as the town grapples with how to fund various department budgets through a potential override vote later this year.
Committee member Libby Corbo emphasized the importance of advocating for the full $4.3 million increase.
"Our job here as school committee members ... is to advocate for what is educationally sound for our students," Corbo said. "Frankly, I'm not even convinced that 4.3 is educationally sound for our students. But I certainly don't think anything less would be."
The approved budget aims to restore 37 positions cut in the previous year, including middle school art teachers, high school physical education and wellness instructors, and special education support staff.
Superintendent Matthew Ferron noted that the budget restoration is primarily focused on bringing back personnel.
"It's primarily the people. That we are restoring under these three models," Ferron said, referring to various budget scenarios presented to the committee.
The committee's decision comes ahead of the Town Manager's budget presentation scheduled for Feb. 5. The Select Board is also expected to meet Thursday to discuss potential override options. That meeting summary can be found here.
Committee members expressed frustration with the lack of transparency surrounding the town's overall budget process. Rachel Hughes, a member of the budget subcommittee, questioned the allocation of funds across town departments.
"I haven't really been given a strong enough reason as to why we're prioritizing different things," Hughes said. "I would agree that I think we've built the case that the 4.3 is what the school needs."
The committee's vote for the full $4.3 million increase comes despite ongoing discussions about a potential $3.5 million increase in the Town’s override budget. Committee members argued that accepting less than the full amount would be a disservice to students and schools.
"If we at this table vote for 3.5. And that override passes, we've essentially gotten what we said we need. And that's my concern," said member Ryan Hall.
Public comment during the meeting highlighted concerns about the affordability of the proposed increase for residents. Paul Nimeskern, a Hanover resident, urged the committee to consider the impact on taxpayers.
"If you think that people can afford even just $100 a month, not everybody can," Nimeskern said. "So you have to really take that into consideration."
The committee acknowledged these concerns but maintained that their primary responsibility is to advocate for the educational needs of students.
In addition to budget discussions, the committee received an update on changes to the state's competency determination requirements following the elimination of MCAS as a graduation requirement.
Matt Plummer, Curriculum Director explained that the district will now focus on ensuring students complete core courses to demonstrate competency, rather than relying on standardized test scores.
"To me, it's kind of like what it was in 1990 when I started teaching. We didn't have MCAS before, and kids graduated," Plummer said. "Believe it or not, it worked out really well."
The committee's next meeting is tentatively scheduled for Feb. 26, where they expect to review the Town Manager's budget submission.