April 3, 2026

Last week, we presented the Belmont Public Schools FY27 budget at Summit III, the final step before the budget moves forward to Town Meeting in June. At this point in the process, the question is no longer just what are we proposing, but more importantly, what are we prioritizing—and why.

This year’s budget is grounded in a clear reality: the needs of our students are evolving, and in many cases, becoming more complex. As we shared, we are seeing notable increases in both the number of students requiring specialized supports and the intensity of those needs. This is not unique to Belmont, but it does require us to think carefully and differently about how we organize our system to respond.

Rather than viewing this moment only through the lens of constraint, we are approaching it as a point of recalibration.

The FY27 budget reflects a shift toward building a system that is better designed for the students we serve today. This means moving beyond short-term solutions and continuing to reshape how we deliver services that are more cohesive, more connected, and ultimately more effective.

One of the clearest examples of this shift is our continued focus on strengthening in-district capacity. Over time, reliance on contracted and out-of-district services can fragment the student experience. By investing in our own staff - educators, specialists, and support personnel - we are building teams that know our students well, collaborate consistently, and are part of the daily life of our schools.

At the same time, we are strengthening the foundation of the student experience: Core instruction. Strong Tier 1 instruction is essential for academic success and helps reduce the need for more intensive interventions over time. This includes high-quality curriculum, inclusive practices for English learners, and access to library and media resources. We also recognize that schools today must be equipped to support the full range of student needs. This includes expanding behavioral and mental health supports, ensuring that students can access learning in environments that are both structured and responsive.

Taken together, these priorities represent a more integrated approach:

This is not about doing more of everything. It is about being deliberate—aligning our resources with the areas that will have the greatest impact on students, both now and in the future.

As we move toward Town Meeting, I remain encouraged by the direction of this work. Belmont has consistently demonstrated a willingness to engage thoughtfully with complex issues, and that collective engagement is one of our greatest strengths. It allows us to move forward with a shared understanding of both the challenges and the opportunities ahead.

Thank you for your continued partnership in this work.