Ayer-Shirley Schools Face 11.9 and 14.7 Percent Assessment Hikes in FY27

AYER — February 3, 2026 — Ayer-Shirley Regional School District is projecting double-digit assessment increases for FY27, with Ayer facing an 11.9 percent hike and Shirley a 14.7 percent increase. Superintendent Dr. Renda presented the preliminary budget Tuesday, February 3, warning the numbers are not passable but represent the reality of surging costs — health insurance alone is up 14.4 percent, adding approximately $677,376, while out-of-district special education transportation runs $70,000 per month and electricity bills average $65,000 per month. The district's net Chapter 70 receipts increased by just $10,000 year over year. To close the gap, the district is pursuing solar energy contracts, renegotiated transportation routes, a new in-house 18-to-22 special education transition program to replace $80,000-per-student out-of-district placements, and individual conversations with the eight employees still on the PPO health plan. The committee separately approved a new program of studies adding AP U.S. History and AP Cybersecurity, and accepted five grants totaling at least $45,000 in confirmed funds.