The budget discussion was a central focus of the meeting, with the committee approving the appropriation of $4,578,654 for the operating budget and $4,390,250 for the transportation budget, as outlined by the Ed Reform Act of 1993. The transportation budget will cover all student transportation needs, including K-12, vocational schools, and specialized transport services such as those for homeless and foster care. The committee also allocated additional funding sources totaling $5,275,053, which includes circuit breaker reimbursement, special education reimbursement, and revolving account and grant funding. This allocation aims to mitigate over $5 million in budget variance, acknowledging the challenges posed by the loss of ESSER funding and minimal state aid projected in the governor’s budget.

Mr. Brian Hyde and Superintendent Mrs. Carolyn Lyons presented the budget, emphasizing key drivers such as continuous district improvement, fixed costs, special education, technology, and transportation. They highlighted the challenges faced by the district, including the increase in special education costs and the budgetary hurdles of the loss of ESSER funding and projected state aid. The total cost to run the Middleboro Public Schools was reported as $50.2 million, with the School Committee thoroughly discussing the use of alternate funding sources, such as Title One, Title Two, and IDEA special education grants, to offset the budget request.

The meeting also provided an opportunity for Mr. Peron to present his background and interest in the role of Director of Business and Finance. He shared his extensive experience in K-12 finance and discussed the importance of collaboration and communication with stakeholders, as well as his open-door management style. Mr. Peron’s local ties and motivations for applying to the position in Middleboro were recognized by the committee, which then voted to allow the superintendent to enter into contract negotiations with him for the role.

In addition to the budget and personnel discussions, the committee acknowledged various student and community activities. The fifth-grade career fair, the rescheduled scholarship night for seniors, and the Massachusetts Educational Theater Guild preliminary one-act Play Festival were mentioned, with members praising the engagement of students and the success of the events. The committee invited members to attend the MKG colonial plays and support the Middleboro Services to the Elderly soup and sandwich fundraiser. Upcoming events such as the SBA concerts and the high school performance of “Death by Chocolate” were noted. The committee also expressed gratitude to voters for participating in the presidential primary elections and congratulated the Middleborough High School boys basketball team for reaching the quarterfinals of the MIAA tournaments.

The meeting concluded with a nod to future community engagement, announcing an event focused on the impact of Fentanyl and other substances. It was also announced that the committee would go into executive session for the purpose of conducting strategy sessions and preparation for negotiation of non-personnel or to conduct collective bargaining, with no reconvening into regular session.