Norwell School Committee Approves Budget, Makes Case for Override

NORWELL – The Norwell School Committee has unanimously approved a $2,481,480 budget increase for fiscal year 2026, an amount that will require voter approval of a Proposition 2 1/2 override to sustain current staffing and programs.

The override request, which was also approved by the Select Board, represents the school department’s effort to maintain educational services without significant cuts. Without additional funding, officials say the district would face reductions in staff, class sizes, and programming.

“The budget we’ve put forward reflects what we need to maintain the level of education that Norwell families expect,” Superintendent Matthew Keegan said during the committee’s recent meeting. “This is not about adding new programs but preserving the quality of our schools.”

The committee is now making its case to the community, emphasizing that without override support, the district will have to make difficult cuts. School officials will meet with PTO groups, attend community forums, and release informational materials in the coming weeks to explain the necessity of the funding.

The proposed budget includes increased costs for salaries, special education services, and instructional materials. Committee members stressed that rising expenses, combined with limited state funding, have left the district with little choice but to seek an override.

“This is about maintaining our schools, not expanding them,” Committee Chair Christina Kane said. “We want to ensure families understand the real impact of their vote.”

The override proposal will be decided at Town Meeting and then at the ballot box, where residents will determine whether to authorize the additional tax revenue.

“We recognize that an override is a significant ask,” Kane added. “But this funding is essential to keeping our schools strong.”

For more Norwell news, visit the South Shore Times Norwell homepage. The entire meeting can be viewed on Norwell Spotlight TV.