Lincoln School Committee approves $32.6 million FY25 budget for Lincoln and Hanscom schools

LINCOLN -- January 29, 2024, Lincoln School Committee adopts $32.6 million FY25 budget and taps Hanscom reserve. Members on Jan. 25 approved a $13,548,732 Lincoln School budget, within Finance Committee's 2.5 percent guidance, and a $19,061,834 Hanscom budget that exceeds the FY25 Department of Defense Education Activity contract by $697,874, authorizing the superintendent to draw that amount from the Hanscom reserve as needed with quarterly reporting. Roughly half the over-contract amount is tied to special education tuitions, with the budget assuming 30 to 32 out-of-district placements against 27 currently enrolled. The Lincoln package will go to Annual Town Meeting as a $13,490,352 general-fund appropriation plus $58,380 from Medicaid revenue. Chair Matina Madrick said the cycle was stressful and pledged an earlier start next year, while METCO Representative Kim Mack abstained on the Lincoln motions. The committee also learned the state Military Mitigation Grant, which only Lincoln receives, was cut from $150,000 to $75,000 and will pursue restoration through Rep. Tom Stanley.