School Committee Reorganizes, Braces for Potential Budget Cuts

Stafford remains Chair and Kniffen elected Vice Chair elected in 7-2 votes; committee discusses possible staff reductions if budget gap isn't resolved

WHITMAN, MA - May 20 - The Whitman-Hanson Regional School Committee elected new leadership during its annual reorganization meeting on May 20, following recent elections that brought fresh faces to the board.

Beth Stafford was elected chair and Hillary Kniffen as vice chair, both in 7-2 votes, as the committee set its leadership for the 2024-25 school year.

The meeting began with congratulations to newly elected members Kara Moser from Hanson and Rosemary Connolly from Whitman. Fred Small, who was not present, was also recognized for winning his fifth term.

"We have a good team and we're here to push the district forward and do what's best for kids," said Superintendent Jeff Syzmaniak, chairing the meeting before nominations began.

The election of Stafford as chair came after some debate about the importance of alternating leadership between the two towns. Connolly argued for this approach, stating, "Creating public trust and ensuring that both towns feel like they have an equal voice in this particular process seemed to be a primary need."

She added, "We have had a Whitman chair who has been lovely, but having a Hanson chair I do think would help make everybody feel like they have a voice in this process."

The committee also faces significant challenges ahead, particularly regarding budget issues. Connolly noted, "We're facing some upcoming challenges with the budgets. We have some of the lowest funded per student in Massachusetts still, we're in the lower 5%."

After the leadership votes, the committee filled other key positions. David Ford was unanimously elected as Secretary-Clerk, Steve Bois as Treasurer, and Connolly as Assistant Treasurer.

The newly elected Chair Stafford announced that information about subcommittees would be sent out before the next meeting on June 5. She emphasized the importance of distributing responsibilities among committee members.

The meeting also touched on pressing budget concerns. The district currently has a split budget, meaning no approved budget is in place. A critical Hanson Select Board meeting is scheduled for May 21 to discuss the recent override question results and plans for a special town meeting on June 17.

Superintendent Jeff Szymaniak stressed the urgency of resolving the budget issue, noting that without an approved budget by June 30, the state commissioner could take control. This could potentially lead to layoffs based on the previous year's budget figures.

"I have to let my teachers know by the 30th," Szymaniak said. "So that's why I contractually we try to do May 30th, but we're bound by June 30th."

The budget shortfall stands at $374,000 for Hanson, after Whitman approved the use of free cash for their equivalent share previously considered for an operational override. Committee members expressed concern about the potential impact on staffing if the budget isn't resolved.

Szymaniak indicated that specific cuts would be determined based on the overall picture, but previous estimates suggested up to 20 positions could be affected across both towns.

The committee plans to discuss the budget situation further at its June 5 meeting, ahead of Hanson's special town meeting.

In a positive note, Stafford highlighted the committee's gender balance, stating, "It's nice to see a five and five split with a male and female, for the first time ever, I believe, on this committee. Or if it hasn't been forever, it's been a real long time."

The meeting concluded with reminders about upcoming events, including graduation on June 2 and community evening school on June 1, both at 6 p.m.