Finance Committee hears school budgets; superintendent announces retirement
School boards presented FY27 budgets Tuesday with Superintendent Richie Smith announcing his retirement after 24 years in the island school system.
Finance Advisory Committee · Meeting of February 9, 2026
CHILMARK — School boards presented FY27 budgets Tuesday with Superintendent Richie Smith announcing his retirement after 24 years in the island school system. The Finance Committee and Select Board heard presentations on island schools' 9.57 percent increase after educational development funds, Martha's Vineyard Regional High School's 5.17 percent increase with a 7 percent Chilmark assessment, and superintendent's office and shared services' 7.73 percent increase. Education accounts for 80 percent of Chilmark's budget growth, driven primarily by teacher contract costs.
Chilmark School will open a preschool in September 2026 and proceed with bell tower renovations; MVRHS will eliminate a $125,000 administrator position.
In the full story:
- The complete report — 293 words
Source: the Finance Advisory Committee meeting of February 9, 2026, compiled from the official minutes.
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