The Hingham School Committee finalized its $72,847,183 operating budget for fiscal year 2027 on Wednesday, but the move was overshadowed by a sharp 4-2 split over a decision to exhaust the district’s special education reserve fund. The committee’s choice to transfer $400,000 to cover unanticipated out-of-district costs was described as a reluctant necessity to satisfy a town-wide Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), despite warnings from some members that the district is being cornered into a precarious financial position.

Superintendent Katie Roberts presented the final budget figures, noting that the request has remained stable since earlier in the month. We last presented our budget to the full committee on March 3rd and since that time also shared an update with the Advisory Committee, Roberts said. We have no new budgetary information to share at this point. While the overall budget passed unanimously, the discussion was tinged with frustration regarding the town’s budget process. John Mooney criticized the scheduling of a recent Advisory Committee session where school officials were forced to present late into the night. I think it's outrageous that you had to present the other night... to have you and the school department presenting after a presentation on the Hingham Center for Active Living is outrageous, Mooney said. Michelle Ayer agreed that the late hour was unfortunate given the volunteer hours board members and staff invest in the process. Motion Made by M. Ayer to approve the $72,847,183 fiscal year 2027 operating budget. Motion Passed 6-0-0.

The most contentious debate centered on the Special Education Reserve Fund, an account established in 2014 to cushion the district against volatile out-of-district tuition and transportation costs. Under the town’s current MOU, the district is expected to drain these specific reserves before asking the town for additional Article 6 funding. Business Manager Aisha Oppong explained that extraordinary costs are difficult to predict, but the administration felt bound by the agreement. We would be really breaking the MOU if we decided not to take that step forward, Oppong said. Chair Jen Benham noted that legal counsel suggested the board has little leeway if they intend to abide by the town agreement. It's my understanding... that we have no choice... that we have to utilize these funds before we go to fund balance, Benham said.

Dissenting members Carrie Ni and John Mooney expressed deep concern over leaving the reserve balance at zero without a clear plan for replenishment. I'm just deeply uncomfortable... to drain this account and know that we could need it if something unforeseen happens and have no plan to re-establish it, Ni said. Mooney added that he felt the committee was being cornered into the transfer, remarking, perhaps I'm a gambler. I don't know if I agree with that advice. However, Tim Dempsey argued that failing to follow the MOU could damage the district’s relationship with other town boards. If we don't see ourselves as breaking the MOU, they will see us as breaking the MOU, and then that gives them permission to break the MOU as well, Dempsey warned. Motion Made by M. Ayer to approve a transfer of up to $400,000 from the Special Education Reserve Fund subject to the balance limitations under the MOU for out-of-district transportation and contracting services at year end. Motion Passed 4-2-0 (Mooney and Ni dissenting).

Beyond the immediate financial votes, the committee reviewed drafts of the town’s annual report, with Dempsey urging the board to use the document to lay the groundwork for a future tax override. He suggested highlighting that the district has already laid off as many staff as we can responsibly lay off and emphasizing the high competence of remaining personnel. Carrie Ni requested that the report be made more accessible to the public by defining technical acronyms like MADESE. The board also held a first reading of updated food service policies required by state regulators. Ally Anderson noted that Hingham will continue to provide free meals for students as long as state funding persists, clarifying for the board that special dietary needs covered under the policy include religious requirements.