Wareham School Committee delays budget vote over Upper Cape Tech error

School Committee · Meeting of March 19, 2026

Wareham School Committee delays budget vote after Upper Cape Tech student miscount balloons deficit to $2.15 million. Chair Geoffrey Swett said Bourne officials found 25 miscoded students, at roughly $15,000 each, worsening a deficit that stands at $2,154,504 even after an extra $400,000 from the town, potentially forcing 35 to 40 position cuts. Finance Committee member Alan Slaven called the dispute with Bourne draining and said "there is no way in my opinion Wareham will ever pass a two and a half override." Secretary Joyce Bacchiocchi asked whether the district could request an independent audit before further charges are assessed.

The committee also tabled a vote on continuing school choice participation and heard a federal Title I grant cut could strip $121,000 from the elementary budget next year. A revised budget vote is set for April 2.

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Source: the School Committee meeting of March 19, 2026, reported from the official video recording and transcript.