Whitman Voc-Tech Assessment Drops $42,000 as New Building Debt Looms in Fiscal 2028

WHITMAN — February 10, 2026 — Whitman Finance Committee hears voc-tech budget proposal as town grapples with nearly $1.5 million deficit. South Shore Regional Vocational Technical School District Superintendent Tom told the Finance Committee on February 10 that Whitman's fiscal year 2027 assessment is proposed at $1,596,645, roughly $42,000 less than the current year, driven by declining Whitman enrollment at the school — just 46 seniors graduating against an estimated 23 incoming freshmen. The superintendent warned that debt service on the district's $151 million building project, expected to break ground in June, will begin flowing to member communities in fiscal year 2028, with a possible interest cost in the $5 million range district-wide. Committee Chair Mike Warner told members the town is already running roughly $1.4 to $1.5 million in deficit and has exhausted its snow removal budget, with a roughly $30,000 salt order and storm cleanup bills still outstanding. Planning Board member Adam outlined a minimal 2.5 percent salary increase request and described mounting housing pressure from a Chapter 40B overlay project on Pond Street, with the town's affordable housing rate sitting at approximately 3 percent.