Finance Sub-Committee approves prior minutes, reviews expense data and $2M budget gap
Gardner Public Schools Finance Sub-Committee reviews $2M deficit and rising special education costs. Mr. Mark Hawke, Director of Finance and Operations, presented a preliminary budget preview with an anticipated $2 million deficit requiring resolution. Ms. Joyce West, Director of Pupil Personnel
School Subcommittees · Meeting of February 2, 2026
Gardner Public Schools Finance Sub-Committee reviews $2M deficit and rising special education costs. Mr. Mark Hawke, Director of Finance and Operations, presented a preliminary budget preview with an anticipated $2 million deficit requiring resolution.
Ms. Joyce West, Director of Pupil Personnel Services, documented that Gardner's Students With Disabilities enrollment, autism rates, and related categories exceed state averages and those of comparable districts, particularly at the elementary level. The rising SWD population will drive higher Out of District tuition expenses and necessitate restructuring of the Pre-K program.
In the full story:
- The complete report — 292 words
Source: the School Subcommittees meeting of February 2, 2026, compiled from the official minutes.
Members read the rest of this story and every Gardner 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 Gardner who follows town government? Share Townbrief Gardner: they can sign up free.