School panel votes 7-2 to hold 6% assessment cap
Southern Berkshire schools free up $662,275 but hold town assessments at 6 percent.
School Committee · Meeting of May 28, 2026
SHEFFIELD — Southern Berkshire schools free up $662,275 but hold town assessments at 6 percent. After more than 30 minutes of emotional public comment over cuts to music, art and library positions, the School Committee voted 7-2 to keep FY27 assessments at 6 percent rather than lower them further, then voted 8-1 to reserve $200,000 for emergencies, leaving about $462,275 to reinstate some of 11.2 cut teaching positions. Consultant TJ Plant of Open Architects said the district's excess and deficiency account certified at $933,154, more than the $500,000 already budgeted, but warned "there is not a stone that we have not turned over." Superintendent Dr.
Ricca cautioned the money is one-time only: "Any money that is used right now...will not be available" next year. The towns vote on the full budget after a June 3 adoption meeting.
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Source: the School Committee meeting of May 28, 2026, reported from the official video recording and transcript.
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