Ipswich Schools Unveil $41.9 Million FY27 Budget

School Committee · Meeting of February 4, 2026

Ipswich schools presented a $41,879,911 FY27 budget that would cut 11.2 full-time positions. Superintendent Dr. Brian Blake called it "probably one of the most difficult budgets that I've ever had to put together," citing a 20 percent jump in health insurance costs and debt payments rising more than 17 percent. The 2.16 percent increase, down from an initial 7.43 percent proposal, would draw about $1.64 million, or 2.95 percent, from the Stabilization Fund.

A high school health teacher urged the committee not to cut her position from full-time to 0.6, saying "I would love to continue staying here as a full-time health educator." The district's finance presenter said the town cut its contribution by $100,000 even as state Chapter 78 aid rose $111,000, a net gain of just $11,000. No vote was taken; deliberation continues at a follow-up meeting with a public hearing to come.

In the full story:

• The Full Story
• Why It Matters
• Key Motions & Votes
• Source
• Ipswich's community access TV: School Committee meeting, February 4, 2026
• The complete report: 815 words

Source: the School Committee meeting of February 4, 2026, reported from the official video recording and transcript.

Checked against the record: before publication this article was automatically compared with the meeting transcript. It was corrected where it differed.