What’s at Stake for Easton’s Schools

Let’s Take A Closer Look at the Budget and Why the Override Matters

In Easton, we pride ourselves on strong public schools. But behind that strength is a reality: our schools have been operating with less than what’s truly needed for years. According to detailed research from the Promoting A Sustainable Easton (PASE) committee, Easton Public Schools (EPS) are already running lean — and without the operational override, the quality of education in our town is at serious risk.

Easton Spends Less Than Comparable Towns

PASE’s analysis of statewide data shows that Easton spends less per student than nearly every comparable town in Massachusetts. When measured against peer communities with similar demographics and property values, Easton falls near the bottom of the list in education spending.

In fact, our per-pupil spending is more than $2,000 below the state average.

Despite that, our schools have continued to perform well — thanks to exceptional teachers, committed staff, and community support. But that can only go so far. Years of level-funding and cost-cutting have already stretched resources thin.

The Cost of Doing Nothing

Without the override, the Easton Public Schools face painful cuts:

• Larger class sizes, particularly in elementary grades

• Elimination of electives at Easton Middle School and Oliver Ames High School

• Fewer mental health and academic support staff

• Reduction in extracurricular programs and enrichment opportunities

• Staff layoffs across nearly all departments

These aren’t scare tactics — they’re the likely outcomes of budget realities, as outlined by both the School Committee and the PASE team.

A Responsible Plan for the Future

The proposed override is not a blank check. It’s a targeted and transparent investment in sustaining the services we already have. The funds will allow Easton to:

• Retain and fairly compensate high-quality educators

• Maintain manageable class sizes

• Protect student supports and academic offerings

• Prevent disruptions to learning caused by staffing cuts

The override also includes multi-year financial planning tools that will ensure accountability, transparency, and fiscal discipline in future budgets — all of which PASE has advocated for.

It All Comes Down to June 10th

Easton has already approved the FY2026 budget with overwhelming support at Town Meeting. That budget includes critical funding for our schools — but it can only move forward if the override passes at the ballot box.

This is a defining moment for Easton. It’s not just about balancing numbers — it’s about preserving the kind of schools we want for our children and community.

Vote YES on June 10 to protect our schools, our town, and our future.

Polls will be open from 7 AM to 8 PM at Oliver Ames High School, 100 Lothrop St, Easton, MA 02356.

For more information, facts, and budget breakdowns, visit the Easton MA website or PASE’s data dashboard.