Yarmouth taxpayers are facing a potential $2.1 million budget override as the Dennis-Yarmouth Regional School District grapples with a dramatic surge in the number of unhoused students requiring specialized transportation. During a February 11th Finance Committee meeting, Superintendent Dr. Mark Smith and Finance Director Dr. Susan Gillson presented a tentative $84.2 million budget that carries a 6.87% assessment increase for Yarmouth, driven largely by soaring state-mandated costs.

The district’s transportation budget has climbed to $6.1 million, a spike fueled by the McKinney-Vento Act, which requires districts to transport homeless students regardless of where they are currently staying. Dr. Gillson reported that the number of homeless students in the district has exploded from 130 in 2023 to 260 today. Many are unsheltered, living in cars or campgrounds, Gillson said, noting that private transportation for these students can cost between $100 and $180 per day. Clerk Rafael Gutierrez questioned whether the $898,779 allocated for this line item was based on actual usage. If students are scattered, these aren't church buses—they are individual cabs or car services, Gutierrez noted. Dr. Smith clarified that while students within town borders use regular buses, those moving between towns require private services, adding that the district has already encumbered $740,000 against a $190,000 budget for the current year.

To offset these rising costs, the district proposed $1.4 million in reductions, including the elimination of an assistant principal at the high school, one central office administrator, and ten para-educator positions. Dr. Smith defended the reduction of para-educators by suggesting a shift in classroom management. We can group students more purposefully in general education settings, Smith said, adding that a one-on-one is a restrictive environment. Member John Anderson inquired about the financial flexibility of these roles, asking, how much is fixed cost vs variable? given that many positions are required by student Individualized Education Programs (IEPs).

Member Alyssa Mullin expressed concern over how previous shortfalls in IT and transportation were covered, noting that It seems these items have been insufficiently budgeted in the past. Dr. Gillson explained that the district historically used funds from a fixed asset line that was rarely fully expended, but that line has been funded at zero this year to ensure transparency. Vice Chair George Perkins urged the district to aim higher despite the fiscal constraints. Why don't we see how we compare to the cream of the crop? Perkins asked, arguing that Excellence drives property valuations.

Dr. Smith warned that constant discussion of cuts could drive families away. If we are constantly talking about reductions while school choice is a reality, it makes other districts more attractive, he said. Chair Richard Simon ultimately deferred a recommendation vote, citing several fiscal "unknowns," including a $700,000 obligation for Cape Cod Tech. Simon warned the committee that the current assessment gap represents a potential $2.1 million override for the district alone.

In other business, the committee moved to finalize several municipal departmental budgets. Motion Made by J. Anderson to approve the DPW budget group, including Facilities, DPW Administration, Highway, Snow and Ice, Solid Waste, and Parks and Cemetery. Motion Passed 6-0. Members Nathan Ladley and Robert Harding participated in the unanimous vote. The committee deferred action on water and wastewater budgets pending updated debt service figures.