School Committee Newsletter
March 30, 2026
Budgeting for the 2026/2027 School Year
The Ipswich School Committee voted to approve the 2026/2027 school budget of $41.4M on March 5th, representing a modest increase over the current year. Throughout this process, the Committee worked to balance the needs of students and staff with the financial realities facing the town, with a focus on maintaining core programs and services while remaining fiscally responsible.
The School Committee began reviewing the budget in February and met multiple times to discuss priorities and make adjustments. A public hearing was held in February, followed by discussions with the Finance Committee in March to review the proposal and gather feedback. Community input and thoughtful discussion helped inform the final budget recommendation.
The next step in the process is at Annual Town Meeting on May 12th, when citizens will vote on the school budget. We encourage community members to stay engaged and review the full budget materials, which are available on the district website.
The School Committee will also continue its work on long-term financial planning to help ensure the sustainability of Ipswich Public Schools in the years ahead.
Elementary School Building Project Update
~Special Update from the School Building Committee~
Ipswich continues to make progress in the Eligibility Phase of the elementary school building project in partnership with the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA). The School Building Committee has been reviewing enrollment projections, site considerations, and the district’s educational program needs to help guide the development of potential options for a future elementary school.
The School Building Committee voted to support the enrollment projections provided by the MSBA, an important milestone in the eligibility process. The formal letter confirming this decision has been finalized, signed, and sent to the MSBA. Acceptance of the MSBA’s projections allows the Feasibility Study Phase to commence, including further evaluation of potential school size, configuration, and site considerations. The agreed-upon enrollment will serve as the basis for planning the school’s size and educational program as the project moves forward.
Timeline Snapshot:
Current Phase: MSBA Eligibility Phase
Next Steps: Selection of the Owner’s Project Manager (OPM) and Designer/Architect
Spring–Summer: Development and evaluation of potential project options, including school size and site considerations
Later in Feasibility: Development of a preferred option and preliminary cost estimates
Future Phase: Detailed design and community consideration of the proposed project
All School Building Committee meetings are open to the public, with agendas and materials posted in advance on the Town website. The next meeting is scheduled for Thursday, April 9.
Talking to Your Child About the Dangers of Vaping
Vaping among adolescents remains a concern nationwide, and Ipswich schools continue to focus on both education and prevention. This year, the Middle/High School installed vape detectors in the building and is monitoring how this intervention is affecting vaping amongst students.
Parents play an important role in prevention as well. One effective step is simply starting the conversation at home. A question like: "I heard some kids are vaping. Have you seen this happening? What do you think about it?" This can help open a supportive dialogue and encourage your child to share their experiences and perspectives. For more information and guidance on how to talk with your child about vaping, visit: https://www.tobaccofreekids.org/protectkids/resources-for-parents
Activities and Accomplishments
The School Committee approved an overnight field trip to Boston for the High School Theatre Company.
We reviewed the School District’s sections for the Annual Report to the Town.
We voted to open School Choice seats at each school.
We discussed the Capital Plan, including FY27 requests.
The School Committee reviewed and approved updates to 19 district policies. The District Policy Manual can be reviewed here.
The School Committee made additions and updates to the Athletics policy, which was unanimously approved.
Upcoming District Events
Thursday, April 2nd - School Committee Meeting - 7 PM in the Middle/High School Ensemble Room and online
Saturday, April 11th - Tri-Board Beancounting Meeting - 9:00 AM at Town Hall
Thursday, April 16th - School Committee Meeting - 7 PM in the Middle/High School Ensemble Room and online
Monday, April 20th to Friday, April 24th - April Break, No School
The Ipswich School Committee values input from the community. To contact The Ipswich School Committee, you may speak at “Citizen Queries” towards the beginning of every meeting, or email school_committee@ipsk12.net.
Continue to stay up to date on district events and school committee news by following Ipswich School Committee on Facebook and Instagram.