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RANDOLPH — Randolph Public Schools is preparing for a leap in spending, with a proposed budget topping $19.2 million for 2025-26 — more than triple last year’s $5.9 million.
The bulk of the increase comes from a $10.2 million special building fund after voters approved a building improvement bond.
A new bond fund of $722,070 also appears in this year’s request, backed by a $727,273 property tax levy dedicated to debt payments.
Outside of construction, the general fund — which covers salaries, operations and classroom needs — rises 36%, from $5.06 million to $6.91 million. Other funds also see healthy growth: the activities fund nearly doubles to $465,000, while the school nutrition fund jumps 56% to $320,000, reflecting higher food costs.
Superintendent and board members will present the budget during a public hearing Sept. 10 at 8 p.m. in the high school board room.
For taxpayers, the total property tax requirement climbs to $4.23 million, compared with lower levels in recent years. Of that, about $3.5 million supports day-today operations and programs, while the remainder is dedicated to the new bond.
The budget reflects both the challenges of rising costs and Randolph’s ambitions to expand and improve facilities. Community members will have the chance to ask questions and weigh in at the upcoming hearing.
A copy of the proposed Randolph school budget can be found in last week’s Randolph Times.
