The Everett School Committee’s required public hearing on its proposed $145.4 million fiscal 2027 budget took 23 minutes on Tuesday, April 28, and every speaker supported it. Chair Samantha Hurley asked three times for anyone opposed and got silence. The committee then voted 10-0 to send the budget to its regular meeting on Monday, May 4 for a vote.
Paulo Lambresa, principal of the Madeline English School, said his building runs two specialized special education programs, the Learning Adaptive Behavior program and a language-based program, and “within the proposed budget, neither of these programs have experienced a reduction in service. That matters.” About 46 percent of his students need English learner services, he said. “This is not a small subgroup. It is nearly half our school community.”
Kimberly Auger, president of the Everett Teachers Association, thanked the administration “for bringing forward a just, equitable, and balanced budget” and for “the transparency and all of the work that you did” with the union. Eric Folo, a parent of two English School students, said the budget “reflects a deep commitment to providing every student with a quality education.” Kayla King, mother of a varsity athlete, said school sports “are not just after school activities, but they’re the lifeline for many students.” Maureen Morelli, a lifelong resident and Everett educator, asked the committee to protect the BRYT reintegration program for students returning from mental health crises or hospitalization: “Investing in emotional well-being support services is not a luxury. It is a necessity.”
Jessyca Redler, assistant principal of the Adams School, came forward with a parent, Valencia Barreduram, who left work early to speak. Her son Ashton, who started at the Adams in September, “is very, very shy,” she said, and a full day “will provide the children with stronger foundation for kindergarten.” Redler said full-day preschool is “something I’ve been striving for for a couple years now” and that “at a time when many cities and towns across the state are facing severe difficult budget decisions,” Everett is investing at the start.
A second hearing on school choice, required by state law, drew no speakers on either side and was also referred to May 4. All 10 members were present, with Jeanne Cristiano attending remotely, so every vote was taken by roll call. The budget had cleared the committee of the whole 9-0 on April 16 and later went to the City Council.
Previous School Committee meeting (April 17): Everett School Committee Advances a $145.4 Million Budget 9-0 as Hart Raises a Red Flag for Next Year and Van Campen Says He Is Raising Seven
