Kingston School Committee Holds Budget at 4.82 Percent Amid Override Concerns

School Committee · Meeting of February 2, 2026

Kingston School Committee holds its budget at 4.82 percent as Proposition 2.5 override looms. Board of Selectmen chair Pike appeared at Monday's public budget hearing to ask the committee to reduce its proposed $16,349,000 budget — a 4.82 percent increase — to closer to 3 or 3.5 percent, warning that a potential 14 percent municipal health insurance increase could force the town to seek a Proposition 2.5 override that he called "always a 50-50 shot" at the ballot. The committee debated presenting a lower number at a regional budget assessment Thursday but voted to hold the full 4.82 percent figure, with member Jeannie Coleman cautioning that "it's always easy to go down, but it's far more difficult to go back up." Business Manager Sarah told the committee she recommends exercising the year-seven option on the First Student transportation contract, noting the sub-5 percent extension rate is well below what districts going out to bid are currently seeing.

The committee also closed its regular meeting by entering executive session for negotiations strategy with KESPA and the KTA.

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Source: the School Committee meeting of February 2, 2026, reported from the official video recording and transcript.