Taunton School Committee...October 21st, 2026 (LIVE BROADCAST)

The Taunton School Committee and Finance and Law Subcommittee met October 21, 2026, according to the meeting title (the metadata timestamp is October 22 UTC). The subcommittee reviewed the FY27 budget, revolving accounts, grants, donations, and bills payable. It accepted two donations totaling $1,928.10, including 600 lightly used children’s books valued at $1,500, and unanimously approved FY27 bills payable of approximately $314,812. The revolving-account update reported about $3.9 million in total balances, with roughly $893,000 encumbered, mainly for previously approved work at the high school softball-field restroom facility. Members also reviewed about $72,000 remaining in expired grants; staff said grant closeout generally allows 60 days, and members emphasized using available grant funds. The FY26 warrant of approximately $60,986 was also reported as unanimously approved.

The full committee discussed a plan to expand the Alternative High School into a full-day, project- and competency-based program with career partnerships and internships. A motion to purchase a van for student work-site access passed 6–2. Discussion referenced a proposed $45,000 contribution from the appropriation and a separate $75,000 earmark from Bristol County Savings Bank; the superintendent said the earmark could support the purchase if the committee did not use appropriated funds. The committee also approved the superintendent’s recommendations to recognize Gallagan Elementary School and students, including possible field trips and school celebrations, with no costs specified. No vendor selection or contract award was identified.