amber@northstarreporter.com
The North Attleborough School Committee meeting on Jan. 7 covered many updates, including progress on the high school building project, community elections, and a presentation of the proposed fiscal year 2026 operating budget.
High School Building Project
The Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) has approved the Preliminary Design Program (PDP) for the high school building project, following the meeting on Dec. 13, 2024. Superintendent John Antonucci announced that the project is now in the schematic design phase, which will provide critical details about costs and taxpayer impact.
Antonucci stated, “By the end of this phase, we will have cost estimates, the total project budget, the exact reimbursement from the MSBA… and we will know the impact to taxpayers.”
North Attleborough residents will vote on the proposed high school building project on June 3. A public forum to discuss the project will take place on Feb. 13.
Community announcements
Committee member David Chee reminded the community that it’s time to submit nominations for local town committees, boards and elected positions. Both Chee and fellow member Ethan Hamilton have announced they will not seek re-election.
FY 26 operating budget
Antonucci presented a needs-based budget proposal for FY26, emphasizing transparency about district priorities and challenges.
Antonucci noted, “Whether or not it gets fully funded, it serves a purpose of outlining our needs,” adding that fair and equitable pay for staff is a high priority.
Key budget concerns include:
● Student needs — 21% of students in the district have Individualized Education Plans (IEPs).
● Classroom size — 22% of elementary classrooms have over 25 students per teacher.
● Staffing shortages — The district has been operating with an employee deficit in recent years.
On a positive note, the district received an additional $538,000 in Chapter 70 funds after last year’s budget cycle.
Proposed FY26 budget overview:
● Total cost of operations — $57.25 million
● Revenue offsets — $3.81 million
● Staff salaries — $48.1 million (84% of the total budget)
● Special education — $18.25 million (31.8% of the total budget)
● New additions — 20 new full-time equivalent (FTE) positions, $100,000 increase for athletics funding, $2.11 million for faculty salary increases and $1.55 million for new personnel.
Further, Antonucci stressed that the athletics department’s $130,000 deficit is “unsustainable.” Proposed solutions include a $100,000 operating budget increase for athletics and raising user fees to $250 per sport, capped at $750 per family.
