School Fees
In its annual review of school fees, the School Committee discussed raising the bus and athletics fees for the next school year. According to School Committee member Amy Zuccarello, who chairs the finance subcommittee, both balances will fall into the red without increased revenue.
Currently, the athletic fees are $485 for the first sport, $335 for the second sport, and $185 for the third sport. The School Committee is considering increasing the fees by $40 for the first and second sports and $15 for the third.
Belmont’s transportation fee is currently $500. The School Committee is considering increasing it to $525 in fiscal year 2027, and then to $550 in fiscal years 2028 and 2029.
Middle School Improvement Plan and Handbook
Belmont Middle School Principal Russ Kupperstein presented the middle school’s annual improvement plan to the School Committee. The plan, which uses a range of data including MCAS scores, report card grades, bias incident reports, and parent feedback, creates guidelines and goals for administration for the following school year.
The plan included an expansion of music class offerings, an introduction of a language-based learning program to the seventh grade, and increased parent-teacher communication.
The School Committee also voted to approve the middle school handbook for the 2026-27 school year. The handbook expands the school’s electronics policy to include devices such as smartwatches and Meta AI glasses.
Last Day of School
The last day of school will be June 23 for all schools, said Superintendent Jill Geiser. The last day for Belmont High School seniors is May 22.
Fiscal Year 2026 Budget Update
The school district is currently projecting a $480,000 deficit for quarter three, according to Anthony DiCologero, the director of finance, business, and operations.
The deficit is primarily due to increasing costs of contracted special education services. DiCologero noted that the district plans to hire more in-house special education staff for the next school year to reduce its reliance on contracted services, a move that the district has previously said will save the schools about $200,000.
In the meantime, DiCologero said the district is in conversation with town officials about next steps. Funds from the town, a possible increase in state reimbursement, and budget restrictions for the remainder of fiscal year 2026 could bring the deficit down to $36,000.
