Orleans Elementary Budget Driven by $285,000 in Mandated Special Education Costs

ORLEANS -- January 28, 2026, Orleans Elementary School's FY2027 draft budget carries a mandated increase of $285,189, or 5.87 percent, driven by special education placements, collaborative preschool costs, and contractual salary obligations that officials say are beyond the school's control. The School Committee reviewed the proposal Wednesday with Superintendent Glenn Brand, Principal Elaine Pender, and finance consultant Paul Donlan, who identified out-of-district transportation, collaborative tuition, and the integrated preschool program in Brewster as the three line items pushing the overall budget above the town's stated 3 percent target. The remaining operating budget, excluding those mandated costs, shows a 1.97 percent increase. Pender reported that 21 new students have enrolled since September and that 20 children are currently eligible for kindergarten, potentially requiring a second classroom in the fall. "There's no way around a mandated expense," one committee member said. "Can't squeeze water from the stone." The next budget discussion is set for February 25, with a formal hearing required before town meeting in March.