Gardner School Committee approves $38.9M FY27 budget with $793,669 shortfall.
Gardner School Committee unanimously approves $38.9 million FY27 budget. Superintendent Dr. Mark Pellegrino presented the Level Services Budget carrying a $793,669 revenue shortfall that the district is requesting the city fund. The largest cost drivers include out-of-district tuition,
School Committee · Meeting of May 11, 2026
Gardner School Committee unanimously approves $38.9 million FY27 budget. Superintendent Dr. Mark Pellegrino presented the Level Services Budget carrying a $793,669 revenue shortfall that the district is requesting the city fund.
The largest cost drivers include out-of-district tuition, collaborative tuition, transportation, and health insurance. The district has cut 18 positions. The Committee also voted to increase Pre-K tuition: full-day annual cost to $2,840 and half-day to $1,480, and approved nine policies on second reading and six on first reading, including physical restraint procedures and parent advisory council protocols.
In the full story:
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Source: the School Committee meeting of May 11, 2026, compiled from the official minutes.
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