At the December 9, 2025 meeting the School Committee received and discussed the following presentations:

The Committee heard a presentation from Facilities Management Department Director (FMD), Joe McDonough, on the progress of a commissioned air conditioning feasibility study for Bates, Fiske, Schofield, and Wellesley Middle School. During the fall, FMD worked with consultants to evaluate a pilot installation at these schools and to conduct a broader feasibility analysis of potential long-term solutions. The presentation outlined three possible approaches—full-building air conditioning using a VRF system, a hybrid heat-pump model serving exterior classrooms and offices, and inverter-type window units—each reviewed for cost, acoustics, energy use, cooling effectiveness and alignment with future HVAC planning. The Committee discussed the options and is expected to approve a recommended path forward at its December 16 meeting.

The Committee received an update from the Wellesley Select Board Secretary, Colette Aufranc, on the formation and goals of a newly formed Town-wide Capital Planning Committee. This new committee was created in response to significant and converging capital needs across the Town. Its charge is to assess and prioritize capital projects over $1 million and develop a ten-year Town-Wide Capital Plan that aligns with Wellesley’s fiscal capacity and strategic goals. The proposed structure includes representatives from multiple boards, including the School Committee.

The Committee heard a presentation from the Administration on the recommended FY’2027 budget. The Administration presented its recommended FY’27 budget totaling $96,856,075, a 3.00% increase over FY’26, in line with the Select Board’s guideline. The budget reflects a projected enrollment decline of 63 students and includes a reduction of 18.5 FTEs. Most of the budget increase supports level service costs, meaning the funding needed to continue current programs and services without adding anything new. These costs are largely driven by contractual salary increases, which are raises already built into employee contracts, and mandated expenses, such as legally required spending for special education services and student transportation. A smaller portion of the budget is directed toward strategic priorities, or targeted investments aligned with district goals. After covering required costs to maintain current programs and services, $26,144, about 0.03% of the FY’27 budget, is allocated to strategic priorities aligned with district goals. The Committee will have the opportunity to review and discuss these details in depth during the budget workshops on December 17 and 18.

The Committee voted to approve the proposed WPS Academic Calendar for SY2026-2027. A companion document outlining religious and cultural observances was included to inform the discussion.

The Committee reviewed potential warrant articles for the 2026 Annual Town Meeting. At this time, the Administration indicated it was not proposing any additional articles beyond the budget.

Coming up…….
School Committee Meetings:

Dec 16 6:30 pm SC Meeting (webinar format)

Dec 17 9:00 am SC Meeting - Budget Workshop Sessions/Budget Review Meetings

Dec 18 9:00 am SC Meeting - Budget Workshop Sessions/Budget Review Meetings

2026 Meeetings: January 6, January 20

School Committee Office Hours: 1/14/2026 7 PM - 8 PM Sign up here.

Click to access documents from the December 9, 2025 meeting.

Click to watch the meeting on Wellesley Media.

Click to sign up for upcoming School Committee Office Hours.