Weston schools propose $49.2 million FY26 budget with 3.36 percent increase

WESTON — January 13, 2025 — Weston superintendent proposes $49.2 million FY26 school budget, a 3.36 percent increase. Dr. Zaleski and interim finance director Buck told the School Committee on Jan. 13 that the Weston Education Association's contractual 3 percent raise accounts for roughly 76.5 percent of the $1.6 million increase, with five more unions entering negotiations. The plan adds $547,500 in strategic investments — including roughly $150,000 for K-5 ELA materials, $103,000 in UDL and equity consulting, and a new Orton-Gillingham specialist — offset by $250,000 in supply cuts, a $140,000 curriculum-specialist restructure, elimination of the DEI coordinator position saving $130,905 with benefits, and a 15 percent pre-K tuition increase generating $186,000. Middle School Principal Phil Oates pushed for an extra seventh-grade section, warning of "26s and 27s when I build that schedule."