School Committee Approves $35 Million Budget

The Seekonk School Committee approved a $35 million budget for FY’27 at their May 4 meeting. That figure represents a 3.51 percent increase.

The action comes after weeks of discussions with the Select Board over how much money should be allocated for education.

The budget will be voted on at Monday’s Town Meeting.

Members of the committee lobbied Select Board members in an attempt to earn support for a higher budget.

In a 4-0 vote, the Select Board approved making cuts on the town side which would allow for a 3 percent increase in the school budget. Member Robert Archambault recused himself from the discussion at the April 15 meeting.

“I really appreciate you working with us,” said committee member Emily Field. “In my four years (on the school committee), we’ve never had this type of relationship. I apologize if anyone on our board offended anyone on the Select Board. I think you guys have shown very good faith working with us.”

Last month, the committee approved fees for athletics and activities at the middle and high school levels as a way to compensate for a deficit in the FY’27 budget.

Superintendent Rebecca Kidwell said specific fees have not been set, but the school department hopes to raise $70,000.

Last February, the school department had initially proposed a 4.61 percent increase over the previous fiscal year.