As Plymouth Public Schools enters the FY28 budget cycle, our district is navigating a challenging economic landscape where operational expenses are outpacing traditional revenue sources.

To foster complete fiscal transparency, the administrative leadership team and the Plymouth School Committee are hosting a five-part public education and engagement series. The goal of this series is to establish a shared, factual foundation for informed community discussion before formal budget proposals are presented.

Through these sessions, stakeholders can explore how public school funding operates in Massachusetts, the legal and contractual obligations that drive key budget areas, and the cost-containment measures implemented over the past decade.

Explore the Presentations: Each session focuses on a critical aspect of our operational budget. Click below to review presentation slides, video recordings, and key takeaways as they become available:

• Initial Educational Series Kickoff: Understanding Our Financial Landscape: Preparing for the FY28 Budget (Sept 14 SC Meeting)

  • 9/14 Slide Deck

• Meeting 1: Financial Framework & Historical Efficiency: Understanding school district revenue, grant limitations, cost containment measures, and future fiscal planning. (Sept 28 SC Meeting)

  • 9/28 Slide Deck

• Meeting 2: Budget Constraints, Mandates & Non-Negotiables: Understanding cost flexibility, legal obligations, and operational realities for FY28 planning. (Oct 19 SC Meeting)

  • 10/19 Slide Deck

• Meeting 3: Major Cost Drivers, Personnel & Employee Benefits: Understanding staffing structures, contractual obligations, healthcare dynamics, and central office operational impact. (Oct 26 SC Meeting)

• Meeting 4: High-Need Student Services, Special Education & Transportation: Understanding legal mandates, out-of-district placements, Circuit Breaker mechanics, and geographic transportation constraints. (Nov 2 SC Meeting)

• Meeting 5: Demographics, Student Programs & The Budget Decision Framework: Navigating enrollment shifts, evaluating valued academic offerings, and establishing a transparent criteria for FY28 budget decisions. (Nov 16 SC Meeting)

Have questions or feedback regarding the educational series? Please reach out to:

Christopher Campbell, Superintendent of Schools
ccampbell@plymouth.k12.ma.us 

Adam Blaisdell, Assistant Superintendent for Finance and School Operations
ablaisdell@plymouth.k12.ma.us