Cohasset school officials are navigating a $1 million funding gap for the 2027 fiscal year by reducing staff positions and preparing for a potential town-wide tax override this fall. During a public hearing on Wednesday night, Superintendent Sarah Shannon detailed a budget that, while increasing by approximately $1.2 million or 4.99%, falls significantly short of the 8.82% required to maintain current service levels. To bridge the deficit, the district plans to eliminate 3.4 teacher full-time equivalents, reduce a Pre-K classroom due to enrollment shifts, and scale back administrative stipends and athletic programming. Shannon noted the process has been lengthy and arduous as the district faces structural deficits, though she emphasized that many position reductions will be managed through retirements rather than immediate layoffs.

The proposed cuts prompted significant concern from residents and committee members alike regarding the long-term sustainability of the school system. Vice Chair Craig MacLellan revealed that the town is actively exploring an operational override for the November ballot to prevent a cycle of annual deficits. The town is collaborating on a potential operational override for November to provide a long-term solution to avoid these annual deficits, MacLellan said, noting that while capital funds for projects like the new Middle High School are separate from the operating budget, the public’s appetite for major projects could be influenced by a tax increase. Motion Made by C. MacLellan to close the public hearing on the FY27 budget. Motion Passed (4-0-0)

State Senator Patrick O’Connor attended the session to provide context on the municipal funding crisis from a legislative perspective. He reported that while Cohasset received roughly $489,000 from the state’s fair share amendment, skyrocketing healthcare costs are cannibalizing state education aid. Healthcare is the biggest driver of costs, increasing 47% per capita since 2014, O'Connor told the committee. In Cohasset, the healthcare budget has risen 40% since FY19 and is projected to hit $10.2 million by 2030. This eats up the state's ability to provide aid. Member Corey Evans challenged the Senator on the state's failure to fully fund special education circuit breakers, stating, The state needs to be at 100% for these costs so small districts aren't forced to make impossible choices.

Public comment focused on the immediate impact of the $25,000 reduction to the athletics budget and the loss of a music teacher at Deer Hill. Resident Victoria questioned if there is a risk for loss of programming, to which Shannon replied that the district is looking at sunsetting small athletic co-ops with Hull and potentially reducing a JV program. Resident Stephanie Saunders asked if the budget crisis would stall the Middle High School building project. Shannon clarified that the project remains on track, as the town is utilizing savings from a recently completed roof project to fund the state-mandated feasibility study. Motion Made by C. MacLellan to adjourn the meeting. Motion Passed (4-0-0)

Committee members expressed appreciation for the administration’s transparency during the lean budget year. Chair Jennifer Lesky noted that the hearing served to invite public comment on the school committee's deliberation and certification of the proposed FY27 budget, which is scheduled for a final vote on March 25th. Member Jacob Squatrito added, I appreciate the work you and your team put in. It's hard because we had a big scare regarding funding. We are in a better place now, but there are still major impacts on students from these budget cuts that we need to overcome.

In other district news, the search for a new Assistant Superintendent has reached its final stage. Shannon announced three finalists—Rob Powers, Terry Smith, and Beth Wilcox—from a pool of 38 applicants. The candidates will visit the district next week for forums and walkthroughs, with a hiring recommendation expected in early April. Additionally, Assistant Superintendent Dr. Scolins reported that curriculum maps for all grades are expected to be published on the district website by late April, following recent professional development sessions focused on IEP compliance and instructional leadership.