Dear EPS Community,
January 8, 2026
Dear EPS Community,
Last night, the School Committee and Select Board held a joint meeting that included a discussion regarding a review of the FY26 personnel budget conducted by our new Director of Finance.
We presented to the Select Board that, as a result of an internal analysis of our FY26 salary accounts, the Easton Public Schools identified a $1.79 million positive budget adjustment that is an overstatement (not a deficit).
Please be aware that this is a one-time budget amount due to an unusually high level of staffing changes. It is important to note that this adjustment would not have impacted the decision regarding layoffs last spring and the town is still facing a significant and ongoing structural revenue shortfall primarily attributable to years of minimal state aid increases and, more recently, unprecedented increases to health insurance premiums.
The district will not be able to restore these positions as restoring positions and programs that cost the District money each year with one-time reserve funding would make it very likely that those newly hired positions would be lost to layoffs or cuts in the immediate future.
However, after the payroll adjustments, and based on efficiencies already implemented, including those anticipated to take effect next year, the District is cautiously optimistic that layoffs will not be necessary for the FY27 school year.
To read the full summary of the FY26 salary budget review and realignment overview, as well as answers to frequently asked questions, visit the Business Office or School Committee pages on the District website. This will include specific action steps going forward.
You may also click here to watch Easton Community Access Television’s recording of the joint School Committee and Select Board meeting.
Sincerely,
Dr. Lisha Cabral
Superintendent