Scituate Schools Propose $55 Million FY27 Budget With No Staff Cuts

SCITUATE — February 2, 2026 — Scituate schools propose a $55 million FY27 budget built on level staffing and a 4.57 percent spending increase. Superintendent Tom Donahue and Director of Finance Irene Hul presented the $55,029,061 plan to the School Committee at a February 2 public hearing, drawing $50,294,317 from the town — a 4.05 percent increase — and $4,734,744 from state and federal grants. The budget adds a 0.6 drama teacher at Scituate High School, an elementary teacher and a special education teacher at the growing Hatherly Elementary, and two paraprofessionals at Gates Middle School, bringing the districtwide FTE count to 519.45. Out-of-district special education placements, overseen by retiring Director Michelle Butera, are projected to hold near $3.9 million for the third consecutive year. The committee took no formal votes and will reconvene the following week to consider any remaining revisions before the budget advances to the town.