Dear MPS community,

The development of the FY27 budget for Marlborough Public Schools has been grounded in a clear, student-centered focus and a commitment to fiscal responsibility. This budget reflects thoughtful planning, collaborative leadership, and alignment with our district’s evolving strategic priorities.

Our Three Guiding Goals

Three primary goals steered the FY27 budget creation process:

1. Bring more direct supports and services to classrooms to better support students and staff.

2. Realign staffing to match student enrollment and programmatic needs.

3. Strengthen and streamline district operations.

These goals ensured that our financial decisions remained focused on teaching and learning while maintaining organizational efficiency.

A Thoughtful and Collaborative Process

The FY27 budget process began in late fall 2025. Our Leadership Team conducted a comprehensive review of prior years’ expenditures, analyzing supply lines and comparing budgeted amounts to actual spending. This historical review allowed us to identify trends, areas of over- or under-spending, and opportunities for greater efficiency.

Each cost center leader—including principals, directors and assistant superintendents—met to review spending patterns and determine projected FY27 needs. In individual meetings, cost center managers presented new position requests aligned to student and programmatic demands. Members of the Leadership Team then reconvened over two working sessions to collaboratively prioritize student needs and refine our staffing model to ensure alignment with enrollment realities.

Strategic Alignment: Looking Ahead to Marlborough Public Schools 2030

FY26 marks the final year of our current Strategic Plan, while we simultaneously develop our next long-term vision: “Marlborough Public Schools 2030.” This forthcoming plan will include a new Portrait of a Learner and a four-year strategic goals and roadmap. The development of MPS 2030 is a true community effort, and FY27 will serve as Year One of implementation.

Although the plan is still being finalized, the Leadership Team has worked diligently to anticipate projected needs and align this budget accordingly—ensuring we are positioned for a strong and intentional launch once the plan is finalized.

Enrollment and Revenue Context

Our current district enrollment stands at 4,360 students, down from 4,728 students last year. As a result of this decline, the district will receive approximately $325,000 less in state revenue compared to FY26. This reduction required careful staffing realignment and operational adjustments while maintaining our commitment to student support.

FY27 Budget Overview

The total FY27 budget is $85,199,324, representing a 2.94% increase over FY26—an increase of $2,437,340.

This increase reflects strategic reinvestment in classroom supports, responsible staffing adjustments aligned to enrollment, and continued efforts to streamline operations while preparing for the launch of MPS 2030.

The FY27 budget represents a balanced, forward-looking plan that prioritizes students, supports educators and positions Marlborough Public Schools for continued growth and success.

I look forward to a successful end of the year and a strong partnership with all parties to bring FY 27 to fruition. 

Stay informed about the latest news from our district with our new monthly video series, "The Super Six." This series summarizes the Panther Nation Connection and helps you stay updated on district developments.

In the March episode, you'll find updates on the calendar, information about our new substitute teacher rate, details on kindergarten registration, as well as highlights of upcoming high school events and activities. Watch the video, and then continue reading for more detailed information on each topic.

In the February edition of Super Saturday, Superintendent Jason DeFalco interviews Marlborough High School ninth graders Christian Baltodano and Amanda Carvalho. They share their inspiring experiences transitioning from Whitcomb Middle School to Marlborough High School, highlighting their journeys in academics, music and athletics, as well as the supportive teachers who have helped them along the way.

With confidence, they explain why they chose Marlborough Public Schools, dispelling misconceptions and highlighting the many opportunities available at Whitcomb and MHS. These include accelerated math pathways, honors classes, dual enrollment and enriching extracurricular activities such as soccer, band and orchestra.

Tune in to this enlightening conversation for valuable insights into our middle and high school offerings and the nurturing environment of MPS.

Be sure to subscribe to WMCT-TV on YouTube and follow them across all channels so you never miss an episode!

Due to the snow days we have experienced this school year, the final day of classes will be on Monday, June 22, contingent on no additional cancellations. This date aligns with our state requirements for instructional days.

We encourage all students, parents and staff to plan accordingly as we approach the end of the year. Let’s stay focused and motivated to finish the year strong, ensuring that students show up on time and ready to learn each school day.

As you plan for the upcoming school year, please review the approved 2026-2027 school year calendar from the Marlborough School Committee. This will help you schedule vacations and trips outside district holidays, as these absences during school days are generally unexcused.

It’s important to ensure regular attendance and understand the difference between excused and exempt absences, in accordance with our attendance policy.

Excused Absences

Exempt Absences

Remember, students who are absent cannot participate in athletic or extracurricular activities that day.

We are excited to announce an increase in our daily substitute teacher rate to $135. This change reflects our commitment to attracting and retaining dedicated professionals who enhance our learning environment. Our aim is not only to provide competitive compensation but also to create a supportive atmosphere where substitutes feel valued and equipped to succeed.

Substitute teachers play a vital role in ensuring that our classrooms run smoothly and that students stay on track with their learning. If you want a profession with a purpose and schedule flexibility, we invite you to join our team.

Explore our current opportunities and apply to become a substitute at www.mps-edu.org/jobs.

Despite the recent inclement weather, we are proud of our students and families for prioritizing consistent school attendance. Here are the year-to-date attendance rates across our district:

Remember, every day a student attends school increases their chances of academic success. Let’s make every day count!

Spring is just around the corner, and so is the Marlborough High School Drama Club's spring musical!

The Marlborough High School Drama Club is excited to invite you to their fun-filled spring musical: "Mamma Mia!" Join us at the Whitcomb Middle School auditorium for opening night at 7 p.m. on March 6, or catch the show at 7 p.m. on March 7, or a matinee at 2 p.m. on March 8.

You won't want to miss this! Tickets are just $10 for students and seniors, and $15 for general admission. So, gather your friends and family, and bring your “Money, Money, Money” to secure your seats.

Trust us, "When All Is Said and Done," you'll be saying "Thank You for the Music!"

On Saturday, March 7, the GFWC Marlborough Junior Woman’s Club will host the 2026 Metrowest Princess Boutique at Marlborough High School, providing free prom dresses, shoes, jewelry and handbags to students in the Metrowest area. Students can sign up for appointments using this form.

Here are some ways to help our students:

Email gfwcmarlboroughjuniors@gmail.com for more information.

The Marlborough School Committee, chaired by Mayor Christian J. Dumais, establishes and monitors the annual operating budget, hires, manages and evaluates the Superintendent and sets and reviews district policies and practices to support student achievement.

The Marlborough School Committee will host its next regular meetings on March 10 and March 24. Public attendance and comments at these meetings are generally permitted.  To view the meeting agendas, minutes and location details, visit www.mps-edu.org/MSC.

Are you a Marlborough resident with a child who will turn five before Aug. 31? Starting Feb. 1, you can register your little one for kindergarten at Marlborough Public Schools for the 2026-2027 school year!

Ready to get started? Visit www.mps-edu.org/registration to begin the registration process today. By registering early, you play a vital role in helping us plan class sizes and ensure the best possible placement for each student.

We’re also offering in-person registration workshops. Our dedicated Parent Registration and Outreach Center staff will be available to assist families with completing their registration from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on March 12, April 7 and May 21 at Whitcomb Middle School, 25 Union St. For your convenience, please use the back entrance off Bolton Street.

Have questions? We’re here to help! Call (508) 460-3594 for more information — interpreters are available. Let’s make this an unforgettable start to your child’s educational journey!

We are excited to announce our Summer Programming lineup, which will run from July 6-31, five days a week for four weeks. 

This year, we will offer a K–5 academic experience with a strong emphasis on developing math, literacy and language skills. Additionally, we have a Jump Start program to support rising sixth-grade students as they transition to Whitcomb Middle School. For current students in grades 3–5, we will host Camp Invention, featuring hands-on, engaging STEM learning activities. High school students will have opportunities for credit recovery, and we will provide specialized programs to support students with special education needs.

We look forward to delivering meaningful learning experiences that keep students engaged, growing and connected throughout the summer!

Youth Connections is back at MPS, collaborating with Jackie Coyle, Career Specialist at both the high school and Whitcomb Middle School, to help students kick-start their careers.

What is Youth Connections? Metro SouthWest Youth Connections is a non-profit organization serving 43 towns and cities in Massachusetts, providing career exploration opportunities and programs to help youth plan for their futures.

Youth Connections’ Career Exploration Coordinators, Gianna Viele and Victoria Fernandes, assist students with resume building, internships, cover letters, interview prep, job searches and guidance for exploring career goals.

Staff, faculty and caregivers can fill out this referral form for students who would benefit from Youth Connections’ services or would like to schedule a meeting with a coordinator to explore career opportunities and goals.

Brilyn Boi, a senior at Marlborough High School, has been interning with Metro South/West Youth Connections since the age of 14. She started in the Tier One New Professionals Development Program, where she honed her skills in communication, leadership and professional readiness.

Advancing to a Tier Two internship, Brilyn served as a Peer Leader and HealthWorks intern, gaining hands-on experience in the healthcare field—her goal being to become a nurse. Now supporting the Tier One program, she enjoys helping younger interns grow, saying, “It’s amazing to see their progress.”

Through her internship, Brilyn assists with Teen Mental Health and First Aid training, as well as other youth support programs. Her experiences have laid a strong foundation for her future career.

For more information about Metro South/West Youth Connections and internship opportunities, visit www.mswyouth.org or contact Gianna Viele at gviele@mswyouth.org or Jacqueline Coyle at JCoyle@mps-edu.org.

On Feb. 13, 37 Marlborough High School juniors and seniors attended the New England Sports Summit at the College of the Holy Cross, chaperoned by guidance counselors Carrick Rogers, Amy Wayman, Natalia Martinez, career specialist Jackie Coyle and business teacher Jen Belisle with her Sports Marketing class.

Students explored careers in sports ranging from marketing and media to coaching and athletic administration. In the classroom, they were prepared on how to network effectively, communicate professionally and make lasting impressions. At the Summit, they put these skills into action through panels, interactive sessions and conversations with colleges and industry professionals.

Student reflections included: “This inspired me to reach out to people I wouldn’t have before” and “Be bold. Take risks. That’s what’s going to take us far in life.” Many left inspired to pursue internships, college opportunities, and hands-on experiences, connecting their classroom learning to real-world career pathways in the sports industry.

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