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.