Southampton School Committee Reviews Three Norris Budget Scenarios Ahead of May Override Vote

SOUTHAMPTON — April 8, 2026 — Southampton School Committee reviews three Norris budget scenarios tied to spring override questions. The committee walked through three possible fiscal year 2027 outcomes for Norris Elementary at its April 8 meeting: level funding at $5,859,582 requiring an additional $187,405 in cuts; a partial restoration at $6,504,136 under a $1.9 million town-wide override; and full restoration of all current-year position cuts at $6,705,437 under a $2.5 million override. Superintendent Vito Perrone and Principal Aliza emphasized that cuts already implemented this year — including a kindergarten teacher, art teacher, full-time math interventionist, and reductions to nursing and reading intervention — were real service losses, with roughly 50 students dependent on reading intervention now at risk of losing access if staffing drops further. Member John, who also serves on the Select Board, signaled he plans to move at the May 2 town meeting to pass over the base budget and defer action to a June special town meeting, after open enrollment closes and override ballot results are known. The committee voted 4-1 to reaffirm Norris's school choice participation, unanimously accepted a $2,000 technology gift from the Women's Club of Southampton, and approved a grade six field trip to Sonny's Place in Connecticut before entering executive session on collective bargaining.