Chicopee Panel Tells Staff to Tap Reserve Funds

School Committee · Meeting of April 13, 2026

Chicopee's school finance subcommittee weighed draining reserves to close a $16.3 million fiscal 2027 budget gap. Director of Budget and Finance John Mayarecki told Chair Sarah Russo's three-member panel that lost Chapter 70 aid, a low-income category shift, contractual raises and rising out-of-district tuition drove the shortfall. Applying a required $2.5 million circuit breaker draw brings the gap to $13,754,410.

Members signaled support for using about $1 million in school choice revenue and debated drawing $2.5 million versus $3.5 million from circuit breaker reserves. One member argued for using most of the district's roughly $8.4 million education stabilization fund rather than asking the city for more money while it "sits there." The subcommittee approved its March 31 minutes and adjourned without a formal budget vote, directing staff to model scenarios for the district's next budget workshop.

In the full story:

• The complete report — 843 words

Source: the School Committee meeting of April 13, 2026, reported from the official video recording and transcript.