Acushnet School Committee Eyes Eight-Position Cut in Constraint-Driven FY27 Budget

ACUSHNET — April 29, 2026 — Acushnet School Committee holds required FY27 budget hearing, sets May 12 vote on constraint-driven plan that eliminates eight positions. Superintendent Dr. Bailey and Business Manager Petronio presented four spending scenarios ranging from a needs-driven increase of more than $1.9 million down to a level-funded option that would cut 21 positions; the administration is recommending the constraint-driven middle path, which still requires more than $1 million in additional town funding and eliminates a first-grade teacher, a second-grade teacher, a fifth-grade teacher, an academic coach, a special education teacher, a health teacher, the Ford Middle School assistant principal, and the Ford Middle School librarian. Petronio told the committee the district is now roughly 95 percent fixed costs, with special education expenses up 60 percent year over year — one out-of-district placement alone exceeds $285,000 — and $240,000 in solar energy credits expiring in June. Acushnet Teachers Association President Lisa Cavallo, a staff member since 1996, warned that the eight cuts follow approximately 10 positions already lost the prior year, saying the district "cannot continue to provide the services and level of education that Acushnet has always been known for." Petronio estimated a level-funded budget would leave the district between $200,000 and $300,000 below the state's minimum net school spending threshold, potentially triggering state financial penalties.