Peabody City Council Finance Committee Meeting - June 23, 2026

The Peabody City Council Finance Committee held a meeting on June 23, 2026, primarily focused on reviewing and approving the Peabody Public Schools FY27 budget. The proposed budget totaled approximately $101.97 million, reflecting a 2.9% increase from the previous year, with funding sources including $39 million from Chapter 70 aid and nearly $63 million from municipal contributions. Key budget discussions included reductions of 11.7 full-time equivalent positions through attrition and strategic cuts, with no layoffs, and efforts to manage rising costs such as health insurance and special education transportation. The committee also addressed concerns about transparency, particularly regarding grant-funded positions not included in the main budget, and the need for clearer communication about staffing and expenditures. Public comments highlighted worries about cuts to frontline staff like teachers and paraprofessionals, class sizes, and special education services. The council ultimately voted to approve the school budget after a motion to reconsider was passed, reflecting a collaborative but sometimes contentious budget process. The meeting also touched on the importance of grant funding, dropout prevention programs, and administrative staffing roles.