Lincoln-Sudbury opens $37.1M budget hearing, weighs softer athlete substance rule

SUDBURY — January 24, 2023 — Lincoln-Sudbury opens hearing on $37.1M budget and weighs softer athlete substance rule. The Regional School Committee on Tuesday previewed a $37,095,789 fiscal 2024 plan that meets both towns' guidance, with Superintendent Bella Wong saying it sustains recent counseling and special education hires and expands Global Scholars staffing for an expected 150-plus students. Director of Finance Kirsten Harding warned that a Middlesex County Retirement System 6 percent OPEB hike and a possible bump in retiree cost-of-living from 3 to 5 percent could mean "a severe impact" on regional districts. Members unanimously declined school choice for 2023-24, approved a $236,336 camera-replacement warrant article (87.44 percent Sudbury, 12.56 percent Lincoln) and voted 4-2 to declassify three executive session minute sets. Votes on the budget and on replacing the 2011 ATOD policy with the MIAA standard are set for Feb. 7.