Belchertown Schools Propose 2.26 Percent FY27 Budget Increase After $49,273 Cut

BELCHERTOWN — April 14, 2026 — Belchertown schools propose a 2.26 percent FY27 budget increase after trimming $49,273 to meet a town-approved spending target. Superintendent Brian Cameron presented the budget Tuesday at Chestnut Hill Community School, citing a combined $930,538 in savings from the closure of Cold Springs Elementary and a district-wide reorganization that moves sixth grade to Jabish Brook Middle School — with no staff job losses, he said, due to retirements and pre-arranged one-year contract positions. The district ranks in the sixth percentile of Massachusetts schools on per-pupil expenditure at $17,838.71 against a state average of $23,165.11. School Committee Secretary Jacob Hulseberg noted the district requested a 2.4 percent increase but received less: "We asked for a budget increase of 2.4 percent when inflation is well more than 2.4 percent. And we were given 2.26 percent. And that's after an override." Foreign language instruction at Jabish Brook will end next year; chorus may shift to an after-school slot with free district transportation. The committee voted 5-0 to enter executive session for collective bargaining strategy covering all five employee units.