Milford assessed $2.4M

On March 12, the Blackstone Valley Vocational Regional District School Committee approved the proposed FY27 budget, advancing a plan that emphasizes fiscal discipline, cost-saving measures, and continued investment in high-quality career and technical education. As a fiscally autonomous regional school District, all expenses are rolled into a single annual per-pupil assessment to its member towns, giving the District one “bite at the apple” each year.

As you review the FY27 budget report and consider your investment in BVT, you will see the proactive planning and strategic use of resources reflected throughout the document. While the state estimates that vocational education should cost nearly twice as much as traditional education, BVT has consistently submitted budgets with per-pupil costs well below that estimate. Compared with its 25 sister vocational schools, BVT ranks in the bottom third for per-pupil expenditure, demonstrating financial efficiency without compromising educational quality. These metrics reflect a strong return on investment for its member communities.

In addition to benefits, salary and wage are typically the largest drivers of school budgets. This year, BVT achieved a modest 3.9% increase in employee health insurance benefits, well below the regional norm of 15–20% increases, which ultimately becomes a major component of the budget. The School Committee and the Teachers’ Association worked amicably this year to settle the next three-year contract. The agreement includes increases well below the current regional norm of 11% and is estimated to save the District approximately $2 million over its duration.

“I am grateful for, and happy to report, that we have fostered and maintained the working relationships and awareness that allow our system to continually make adjustments to run more efficiently,” said Anthony E. Steele II, Superintendent-Director. “Whether it is negotiating benefits and contracts to contain costs or applying for grants and seeking donations to supplement revenues, everyone at BVT is rooted in protecting quality career technical education at mindfully efficient expense.”

In preparing next year’s budget, our goal is to keep BVT’s high-quality vocational education as affordable as possible while maintaining the programs and supports our students need to succeed. That work also relies on the support of informed and engaged municipal partners like you. We appreciate your shared commitment to fiscal responsibility and educational excellence.

The proposed FY27 budget will be presented at 13 annual town meetings this spring, where it will seek community support. The full budget report is available for review on the school’s website at www.valleytech.k12.ma.us/fy27budgetreport..

Submitted by Blackstone Valley Vocational Regional District 

The Blackstone Valley Vocational Regional District School Committee has approved a FY27 budget of $21,087,925,

and Milford’s total contribution for FY2027 is $2,374,550.

•  Enrollment: 204 students

•  Operation ratio: 16.32%

•  Minimum contribution: $1,655,694

•  Transportation, capital equipment, retiree medical: $469,370

•  Additional assessment: $249,486*

Regarding the “additional assessment,” BVT officials say these are costs not captured elsewhere in the assessment, and they warn that noncompliance can lead to penalties, including a reduction in state aid.

“There are several necessary expenditures required to operate and maintain the District that are not fully funded by state aid and Minimum Contribution amounts. After careful consideration of all anticipated revenues and expenditures, the Additional Assessment bridges the gap in revenues to create a balanced budget.

“Reductions to the Additional Assessment must take into consideration Required Net School Spending (NSS) that is established and monitored by the state. Districts that are considered noncompliant may be subject to penalties, including future reductions in Chapter 70 aid.”

Image source: www.valleytech.k12.ma.us/about/district/fy27budgetreport