Chicopee schools find $4.4 million in savings
Chicopee's school finance subcommittee found $4.4 million in unexpected city savings, erasing most of its fiscal 2027 budget gap.
School Committee · Meeting of April 22, 2026
Chicopee's school finance subcommittee found $4.4 million in unexpected city savings, erasing most of its fiscal 2027 budget gap. Director of Budget and Finance Mayarecki told the Finance and Budget Subcommittee that city costs dropped to $23,857,009 after the municipal retirement system was found to be nearly 100 percent funded, cutting the city's retirement contribution by $3,347,000. A proposed state Chapter 70 change would raise Chicopee's minimum-aid rate from $75 to $160 per student, adding $600,000.
The tentative budget totals $142,760,045, balanced using $8.4 million in education stabilization funds and $3.5 million in school choice and circuit breaker revenue. Member Canton said "I would rather spend the money now if we have the money to balance the budget," while Superintendent Ware warned of a coming "fiscal cliff." No final budget vote was taken; members approved minutes and adjourned unanimously.
In the full story:
- The complete report — 871 words
Source: the School Committee meeting of April 22, 2026, reported from the official video recording and transcript.
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