The Kingston School Committee’s public budget hearing was marked by a direct challenge from Board of Selectmen Chair Mr. Pike, who urged the committee to trim its proposed 4.82 percent budget increase to roughly 3 percent. Citing a 14 percent spike in medical insurance costs as a primary threat to the town's finances, Pike suggested a reduction of approximately $200,000 to help avoid a Proposition 2 ½ override. Mr. Pike stated, I would like to challenge the school committee and the school administration to find some minor reductions in your current proposed budget adding that enrollment has decreased significantly now that a local hotel is no longer housing students. Vice Chair Megan Garrity Cannon acknowledged the difficult task of fiscal balancing, noting, We do need to find the balance between servicing the schools as well as we can and also making sure the town can afford those services. Motion Made by Jeanne M. Coleman to close the public budget hearing. Vote Passed 5-0

Following the hearing, the committee addressed student safety and visitor protocols after parents expressed concerns about identification badges. Jennifer Krowchun shared her personal experience as a parent, observing that at KIS I think... I just get buzzed in right and they don’t necessarily know why I’m there. Jesse A. Keith emphasized the need for consistent security regardless of whether a visitor is a known entity, stating, I think we just need to make sure that safety is always first and foremost. In a lighter moment during the meeting, after Sheila Vaughn inadvertently raised her hand, she clarified, I did not mean to do that. I meant to just be clapping my hands and saying thank you. The committee also formally introduced Stephanie Hatton as the new Business and Finance Director, who will transition into the role as Sarah Sarah exits at the end of the month. Motion Made by Jeanne M. Coleman to allow for teachers corner. Vote Passed 5-0

The committee deliberated on a contract extension for First Student transportation, with administrators recommending the district exercise its Year 7 option to avoid the double-digit increases seen in neighboring towns. Jeanne M. Coleman, noting the impact of lower student numbers, said, I didn't realize that we'd be down upwards of 60 students this budget season. While the committee ultimately decided to present their initial 4.82 percent budget figure at an upcoming regional assessment meeting to maintain a placeholder for level services, they remained open to future adjustments based on state funding updates. Motion Made by Jeanne M. Coleman to approve the school committee meeting schedule and joint meeting schedule for 26-27. Vote Passed 5-0

The meeting was adjourned at NONE