Weston School Committee Completes FY24 Departmental Budget Review, Heads to Public Hearing

WESTON — February 1, 2023 — Weston School Committee wraps second FY24 budget review with a state-mandated 14 percent special education tuition hike as the headline cost driver. Chair Daina Selvig led the February 1 remote session covering elementary schools, student services, grants, and the district-wide Case House budget, with Finance Committee Chair Lisa Rotano and member Matthew Seltzer participating in an advisory capacity. Student services director Martha told the committee that private out-of-district placement tuition — previously rising between 2.5 and 3.9 percent annually — will jump 14 percent on July 1, a rate set by the state and entirely outside district control. Grants administrator Sherry reported that four federal Title grants totaling just over $340,000 remain at risk each year, with Title I eligibility — worth $265,000 and used to pay elementary school interventionists — uncertain until July. Three social-emotional positions have already been shifted from ESSER 3 to the general fund; five building substitutes remain on grant funding for one final year before a decision on their future must be made. The committee voted unanimously to enter executive session on Weston Education Association collective bargaining strategy before adjourning.