Council weighs $2M boost for Chelsea schools
The Chelsea City Council's budget subcommittee reviewed a plan to add $2 million in free cash to Chelsea Public Schools funding.
City Council · Meeting of March 23, 2026
CHELSEA — The Chelsea City Council's budget subcommittee reviewed a plan to add $2 million in free cash to Chelsea Public Schools funding. City Manager and Deputy City Manager told councilors free cash reserves stand at $33 million and the stabilization fund at $23 million, but warned new growth is the lowest in a decade. With the addition, net school spending is projected to reach just under 107 percent, versus a statewide average near 130 percent.
Councilor Leo Robinson noted the city's school contribution rose from $854,287 in 2023 to $10 million now and asked, "Are we just kicking a can down the road?" Councilor Recupero warned "this city needs to grow" or "the money doesn't grow on trees." No votes were taken; the item moves into the fiscal 2027 budget process, with the school department's budget due to the city manager April 1.
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Source: the City Council meeting of March 23, 2026, reported from the official video recording and transcript.
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