Stoughton Schools Warn of $3 Million Gap, Possible Staff Cuts for FY27

STOUGHTON — March 25, 2026 — Stoughton schools warn of a $3 million FY27 shortfall driven by a collapse in state aid, with layoffs possible if the gap is not closed. Superintendent Dr. Joseph Baeta told the Finance Committee at its March 25 public hearing that the district is projected to receive just $75 per student in new Student Opportunity Act funding — roughly $274,200 total — compared to $1,339 per student in FY24, a consequence of a statewide enrollment decline that cost Stoughton 204 students after shelter-housed families departed. The district's level-services budget is approximately $73 million against a working figure near $69 million, with a state-required minimum net school spending floor of $67,824,140. Baeta said cuts, if necessary, would first target non-direct-service and non-mandated positions, but warned that "when you're looking at $3 million, you're going to have to have some serious discussions about staffing." The committee also reviewed a $666,330 Annual Town Meeting capital request covering door replacements and smart panel projectors at O'Donnell Middle School and elementary schools, a $179,000 Special Town Meeting capital package for O'Donnell safety and infrastructure repairs, and a proposal to add $500,000 to the special education stabilization fund, bringing it to $1 million.