Old Colony presents 4.8 percent budget increase, $410,000 assessment hike to Acushnet FinCom

ACUSHNET — March 20, 2026 — Old Colony Regional Vocational Technical High School is seeking a 4.8 percent budget increase for FY27, translating to a $410,000 assessment increase for Acushnet. Superintendent Aaron Jolansky and Business Manager Sarah Griffith briefed the Acushnet Finance Committee at an informational session Thursday, presenting a level-service spending plan that attributes 1.1 percent of the increase to health insurance — projected to rise 9.45 percent for active employees and 12.9 percent for retirees — and 2.26 percent to instructional salary increases. Acushnet's state-mandated minimum local contribution grew by $297,725, and enrollment for FY27 is projected at 207 students, up 13 from the current year. Jolansky noted the school's 12-bus transportation contract with First Student is in its final year and will go out to bid. The meeting also featured an extended discussion of the state's new lottery-based admissions system, through which 43 of 98 Acushnet applicants were accepted for FY27 — a 44 percent acceptance rate — with Jolansky saying he "struggles" with a process that gives families "zero control."