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.