Cohasset school officials unveiled a stark plan to bridge a $1.3 million funding gap during a remote meeting on Wednesday, warning that the district has reached a breaking point where student-facing cuts are no longer avoidable. Superintendent Sarah Shannon presented a series of reductions for the fiscal year 2027 budget, which include eliminating teaching positions in core subjects and increasing class sizes at the Middle School from 15 to 22 students. The cuts arrive as the town grapples with a systemic fiscal crisis, with municipal leaders targeting a 3.62 percent budget increase while the schools require significantly more to maintain current service levels.

Superintendent Shannon detailed a multifaceted approach to closing the deficit, including a reorganization of the Central Office, the sunsetting of certain athletic co-ops, and the reduction of one Pre-K classroom due to enrollment shifts. To capture every possible dollar, the district even plans to remove personal appliances like microwaves and mini-fridges from classrooms to save an estimated $10,000 in electricity. However, the bulk of the savings must come from personnel. Shannon outlined adjustments to Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) status for specialists in physical education, art, and music, who will now travel between buildings at 0.92 status rather than 1.0. High school reductions are slated for math, art, world language, and social studies based on current class sizes.

The committee members reacted with visible emotion to the proposal. Vice Chair Craig MacLellan stated he would not remain detached from the personnel losses. I refuse to be objective and not emotional about this. These people are the heart of our district, MacLellan said, adding that he intends to personally campaign for independent community contributions. I’m going to have t-shirts made and go to the dump and ask people to give money so we can reduce the number of positions being cut.

Secretary Lance Dial pointed to broader economic pressures, noting that Cohasset is operating within a fixed tax base while costs for essentials skyrocket. Rapid increases in special education, energy, and transportation are budget busters, Dial said. I'm convinced we've lifted every rock to mitigate the impact. Member Corey Evans echoed this sentiment, describing the current funding model as unsustainable. The way districts are funded is structurally broken, Evans noted. Every line on this list is a story of a service our kids aren't getting and a colleague who won't be in the building.

Member Jacob Squatrito, an alumnus of the district, highlighted the personal impact of the teachers being discussed. I have a teacher who comforted me when I lost a family member, and English teachers who made sure I was a successful writer in college, Squatrito said. Last year we made non-student-facing cuts; now we are making student-facing cuts. Chair Jennifer Lesky acknowledged the many staff members watching the meeting via Zoom, stating, I recognize many names in the attendee list tonight. You are household names. I want you to know you are seen.

During a lengthy public comment period, resident Will Ashton asked what the committee could do to increase the "top line" revenue rather than just managing cuts. Other residents, including Jen Madden and Abby, queried the district on specific section counts and how restorations would be prioritized if new funding emerged. Kathy Seruti asked for clarity on bumping procedures, leading Superintendent Shannon to explain how seniority allows certain teachers to move into positions held by junior staff within the same certification area. Chris Lui advocated for a community vote on an override, though Secretary Dial clarified that only the Select Board holds the authority to place an override on the warrant.

In other business, the committee established the 2026-2027 academic calendar following a debate over the status of Good Friday. While Member Evans argued that if the day is not a religious holiday it should be a full day of school to avoid logistics issues with attendance, the committee ultimately favored a half-day format. I worry about the equity issue with other religious holidays, Dial said, suggesting the half-day provides a buffer for snow days. Motion Made by C. MacLellan to approve Draft 1 of the 2026-2027 calendar featuring a half-day on Good Friday. Motion Passed (5-0-0).

The district is also currently managing the fallout of a historic February snow cycle. Chair Lesky noted that some households saw a 10-day break due to recent storms. Superintendent Shannon reported that the fifth snow day of the year has pushed the tentative last day of school to Thursday, June 25. We really can't go beyond June 30th, so we have three days of wiggle room left, Shannon said. Assistant Superintendent Leslie Scollins briefly noted that staff are prepared to welcome students back on Thursday, Feb. 26, saying we'll be getting back to school tomorrow and getting everyone on track.

On the financial front for the current year, Shannon reported that the FY26 budget remains on track despite a budget freeze. The district has an uncommitted balance of just $23,333 in its $25 million operating budget. To support specific student needs, the committee accepted two donations from the Parent School Organization (PSO). Motion Made by L. Dial to accept PSO gifts of $715 for a Middle School theater trip and $46.25 for math materials with thanks. Motion Passed (5-0-0).

While the district faces immediate fiscal strain, it continues to move through the multi-year eligibility period for a potential Middle/High School building project through the MSBA. The Communications Subcommittee, led by Lesky and Evans, also met recently to discuss ways to better engage stakeholders as the town heads toward a difficult spring budget season.