Superintendent of Schools Thomas Geary presented a proposed Fiscal Year 2027 school budget to the School Committee that calls for a 4.9% increase, emphasizing what he described as “thoughtful, strategic, and realistic growth” while remaining fiscally responsible.
“I know some people are watching just to hear the number,” Geary said early in the presentation. “But it would take about a 4% increase just to maintain the district this year. We’re not looking to just preserve and maintain. I want us to grow thoughtfully, strategically, and realistically.”
Geary framed the budget within the district’s mission and long-term planning efforts, noting that more than 30 stakeholders have participated in developing a five-year strategic plan.
“One thing I believe everyone agrees on is our mission,” Geary said. “Lynnfield Public Schools exists to support and challenge all students to meet their full potential as individuals and as citizens of a global community.”
He explained that the budget is designed to support the district’s “Vision of the Graduate,” which prioritizes problem-solving, communication, literacy, resilience, and global citizenship.
“To achieve these outcomes, we have to strategically budget and fund our schools in alignment with these agreed-upon values,” he said.
Geary reminded committee members and the public that the district’s financial flexibility is limited, with 83% of the budget devoted to salaries and another 10% to special education tuition and transportation.
“That only leaves about 7% for everything else: supplies, curriculum, professional development, technology, and more,” he said. “There’s just not a lot of flexibility there.”
The proposed budget includes contractual salary increases, updated class size guidelines, and funding for a new elementary math curriculum.
“We want to move to vetted, high-quality instructional materials,” Geary said. “This curriculum meets and exceeds DESE standards and provides a strong continuum from elementary through middle school, something we have not had in the past.”
A key highlight of the FY27 proposal is that there is no projected increase in special education tuition and contracted services, a first in Geary’s two decades in the district.
“In my 20 years here, this has never happened,” he said. “It gives us some breathing room.”
Geary credited recent investments in leadership and programming for the stabilization.
“We’ve taken a hard look at residency, internal programs, staffing gaps, and leadership structure,” he said. “Strategic investment for growth matters — especially in special education.”
At the elementary level, Geary recommended adding a special education teacher at Summer Street School to create an intermediate support option for students.
“We currently don’t have a less restrictive middle option,” he explained. “This would allow us to better serve students in the district and make sense both educationally and financially.”
Geary outlined several staffing proposals, including a shared assistant principal for the elementary schools.
“These are large schools,” he said. “Our principals want to be instructional leaders, but they’re pulled into day-to-day operational issues far too often.”
At the middle and high school levels, the budget includes investments in digital literacy and student support, including a proposed Freshman Academy course at the high school.
“This course would set ninth graders up academically from day one,” Geary said. “It would include digital literacy, responsible use of artificial intelligence, academic expectations, and civics engagement.”
To help offset rising athletic costs, Geary proposed increasing student activity fees from $600 to $800, with an additional surcharge for football and ice hockey.
“Our activity fee hasn’t been increased in five years, while expenses have gone up about 30%,” he said. “We have some catching up to do.”
Geary emphasized that access would remain a priority.
“The last thing we want is for a student not to be able to participate because of finances,” he said. “We will always work collaboratively with families if there’s a hardship.”
Capital requests include continued technology replacement, PA and phone system upgrades, and a proposed replacement of the aging Summer Street playground.
“This playground serves our youngest and most vulnerable students,” Geary said. “I’ve seen kids get hurt out there. I’ve seen flooding. That’s enough of an alarm bell for me to say we need to do something.”
Other capital requests include a van to support a future in-district, post-graduate, special education program and lighting upgrades for the middle school auditorium.
“This is the town’s showcase auditorium,” Geary said. “It deserves to be equipped properly.”
Geary acknowledged that the proposed budget exceeds the Town’s initial guidance of a 4% increase but said the recommendation reflects a careful balance.
“I strongly believe this budget balances the demand for strategic growth while being respectful of the override and the financial support we received from the town,” he said. “It moves our district forward in a responsible and proactive way.”
Public forums, Select Board presentations, and additional opportunities for community input are planned ahead of a tentative School Committee vote in February and Town Meeting consideration later this spring.
A public hearing on the school budget will be held on Jan. 13, 2026, a budget presentation to the Select Board will be held Jan. 20, 2026, and a public forum held by Geary on Feb. 3, 2026.
