Finance Committee reviews school budgets as town faces $3.9 million deficit
The Finance Committee reviewed FY2027 school budgets January 22, confronted by town deficit challenges. Superintendent Richard Smith presented the Shared Services budget with a 7.73 percent increase totaling $11,292,477, including an $83,019 rise in special education transportation costs. Principal
Finance & Advisory Committee · Meeting of January 22, 2026
OAK BLUFFS — The Finance Committee reviewed FY2027 school budgets January 22, confronted by town deficit challenges. Superintendent Richard Smith presented the Shared Services budget with a 7.73 percent increase totaling $11,292,477, including an $83,019 rise in special education transportation costs. Principal Jeremy Light reported the Oak Bluffs School's 5.75 percent increase and highlighted strong English Language Learner program performance, with student exits rising from five in 2023 to twenty-seven in 2025.
Town Administrator Deborah Potter warned the town faces a $3.9 million deficit requiring a tax override.
In the full story:
- The complete report — 279 words
Source: the Finance & Advisory Committee meeting of January 22, 2026, compiled from the official minutes.
Members read the rest of this story and every Oak Bluffs meeting we cover, in full.
Become a memberAlready a member? Sign inA 30-day free trial needs a payment method. After it, your membership renews at the price shown at checkout until you cancel, which you can do anytime from your account. Subscription terms
Share this brief
Know someone in Oak Bluffs who follows town government? Share Townbrief Oak Bluffs: they can sign up free.