Gill-Montague School Committee Approves $23.7 Million Preliminary FY24 Budget

GILL — January 24, 2023 — Gill-Montague School Committee unanimously approved a $23.7 million preliminary fiscal year 2024 operating budget Tuesday. The 5-0 vote sets a baseline of $23,744,591, partially offset by $400,000 from the district's excess and deficiency account and $200,000 from the Transportation revolving fund, with a final budget vote expected March 14 once state revenue figures are available. Business Administrator Joanne reported the current-year general fund is on track for a roughly $200,000 surplus, driven in part by approximately 50 fewer students leaving for charter or school choice placements — generating a $600,000 tuition-line savings. The committee also declined to cap Commonwealth Virtual School enrollment, currently at 1.14 percent of district students, citing the higher cost of charter placements as the likely alternative. Members heard a joint letter to Governor-elect Maura Healey from state education leaders warning that capping the Chapter 70 inflation factor at 4.5 percent in FY24 could reduce statewide school aid by roughly $445 million below inflation-adjusted levels.