LYNN — School Committee members voted Wednesday to advance a proposed $346 million FY26 school budget and set a June 12 public hearing — but not without visible discomfort over the pace, cost, and sustainability of the City Arts and Sciences Academy (CASA), the district’s newest school set to open this fall.
CASA dominated the conversation, drawing both praise and pointed concern over its tight construction timeline, ongoing staffing shifts, and long-term viability.
Before the budget presentation began, Mayor Jared C. Nicholson, who chairs the committee, acknowledged the emotional weight of the process and urged a respectful tone.
“We can and will disagree civilly at times,” Nicholson said. “We get the best results when everyone brings their perspective with curiosity, not by pointing fingers.”
Business Administrator Kevin McHugh then outlined the district’s financial picture, noting a $29.5 million increase in state Chapter 70 aid — the largest in years — but also steep cost drivers including a projected 10.2% hike in health insurance, a 15% increase in pensions, and a 13.1% rise in out-of-district special education tuition.
“Even with the increase, we have to begin the budget process with reductions,” Nicholson said. “We’re obligated to balance expenses with projected revenue.”
Committee member Jared Castellanos said the district is “going really fast” with CASA and raised concerns about financial sustainability, construction delays, and the absence of a clear contingency plan.
“I need time to really digest all this,” Castellanos said. “I’m concerned about the sustainability — financially, in terms of staffing, and the construction timeline.”
Superintendent Dr. Evonne S. Alvarez acknowledged those concerns during the discussion, emphasizing the district’s broader intent.
“We are committed to balancing innovation with sustainability,” Alvarez said. “We want CASA to succeed — and we want to ensure it doesn’t come at the expense of our core priorities.”
Deputy Superintendent Marciel Goris and Capital Projects Director Mike Donovan fielded multiple questions about construction risks and waiver processes for projects exceeding $150,000, including a new fire alarm system and electrical distribution upgrades. Donovan said classrooms would be prioritized for completion and noted that while delays are possible, the goal is to ensure the building is usable when students arrive in September.
CASA Principal Chris Norkun reported 237 confirmed students — 137 entering sixth grade and 102 in ninth — with additional applications pending. He described growing enthusiasm from students and families as he promoted the school’s project-based learning model directly in classrooms.
“I went from 25 ninth graders to 102 in a week and a half,” Norkun said, “just by going to classrooms and explaining what CASA is.”
Goris, seated beside Norkun, underscored that construction for CASA and the expanded Frederick Douglass Collegiate Academy (FDCA) at Eastern Bank are happening in parallel, meaning both timelines are critical.
“We don’t have a backup location for FDCA,” she said. “So if CASA gets delayed, it’s not just one school we’re talking about — both schools have to be ready.”
Committee Vice Chair Kimberly Satterwhite voiced concern about affordability amid broader budget cuts.
“While I understand a new program comes with new positions, we’re discussing budget cuts, and this is going to take up a significant amount,” she said.
Other members offered support for CASA’s mission. Member Donna Gately cited student excitement around hands-on programs like Kayaking City in Lynn and emphasized the need to reduce overcrowding at English and Classical high schools.
“This is the kind of education that engages kids,” Gately said. “Our large high schools are overcrowded. This is part of the long-term solution.”
During public comment, Lynn Teachers Union President Sheila O’Neal acknowledged CASA’s potential but cautioned against expanding too quickly while other positions are being eliminated.
“It’s not about the vision — it’s a good one,” O’Neal said. “It’s about making sure the foundation is in place before we keep building on it.”
She also criticized the district’s delayed notification of position cuts, noting that job postings had already opened and rumors were spreading before official updates were given.
“The decision to eliminate positions after postings had already started has caused dissension and distrust,” she said. “In the future, we hope the district will be more transparent.”
McHugh’s presentation showed that 80.5% of the budget is tied to salaries, with 55% of all non-salary expenses going toward special education. He stressed that even record-high funding levels can’t keep up with rising costs.
“We are grateful for the funding,” McHugh said. “But it doesn’t keep up with inflation or our responsibilities.”
Alvarez closed the meeting with a Teacher Appreciation Week message.
“Our teachers are the heart of our schools,” she said. “Their work is why students engage, grow, and thrive.”
The School Committee will resume budget deliberations May 29. A public hearing is scheduled for June 12.
