Editor’s note: Chris Campbell is superintendent of Plymouth Public Schools.
As the new school year begins, I would like to discuss an issue that is critical to our community: school funding. While school budgets might not be the most captivating topic, managing our district’s finances is about more than just dollars and cents – it’s about creating schools where our students can thrive. And that’s something we can all get behind.
Crafting a school budget demands a balance of responsiveness and responsibility. In recent years, our student population has changed significantly. More students are coming to us with increased academic and social-emotional needs. The rise in preschoolers with complex special needs, alongside increasing numbers of students whose first language is not English, has reshaped our district. To meet these needs, we have to be thoughtful and strategic with how we allocate our resources.
Understanding our funding sources is essential. The district receives funding from state allocations, local property taxes, federal grants, fees, and donations. Property taxes, which make up a large portion of our budget, are subject to fluctuations – meaning that changes in property values can have a direct impact on our ability to maintain staffing, programs, and facilities. That is why it is crucial we manage these funds wisely, making sure every dollar is spent with purpose.
Prioritizing transparency in our financial decisions is essential. The community deserves to see how their tax dollars support our students. That is why all of our budget reports and financial information are available on the district website. This isn’t just about being accountable; it’s about the community understanding how our investments today shape the opportunities for our students tomorrow.
Recruiting and retaining high-quality educators is one of our best investments. Our teachers are at the heart of student success, and we are committed to offering competitive salaries and professional development opportunities to keep our educators at the top of their game. Excellent teaching is the cornerstone of our students’ futures, and we are dedicated to maintaining a staff that exemplifies excellence.
Our commitment to excellence extends beyond the classroom. We must ensure our school facilities are safe, welcoming, and conducive to learning. To do that, we invest in regular maintenance, safety upgrades, and capital improvements. Special education, too, is a major priority – every child deserves the chance to thrive, and we are committed to supporting the unique needs of our students.
Long-term planning is essential to meet the future needs of our district. Large-scale projects – such as technological upgrades and infrastructure improvements – are necessary to create learning environments that prepare students for a rapidly changing world. While rising costs present challenges, we remain focused on making sure these investments benefit our students and the broader community. Our financial management practices are sound and regularly audited, ensuring accountability at every step. A budget subcommittee, including School Committee members, oversees our financial practices.
But here’s the bottom line: we can’t do this alone. Community support is essential. Contributions from local businesses, organizations, and individuals strengthen our programs and provide additional resources for our students. The research is clear – well-funded schools contribute to healthier communities, boosting local economies, increasing civic engagement, and even lowering crime rates. Strong schools are the foundation of a strong community, and they help lift property values, which benefits everyone.
To further enhance transparency and community engagement, we are launching several new initiatives: public financial planning discussions, expanded reports, and more digital tools to keep everyone informed. We want meaningful opportunities for dialogue because your input and ideas matter. By working together, we can make smart decisions that support educational excellence and ensure the long-term success of our schools.
It’s an honor to serve the community I’ve called home for the past 25 years. I remain as committed as ever to ensuring our schools are places where every student can succeed. We face challenges, but I believe that with everyone’s support, we can continue to build learning environments that make a difference in our students’ lives and in the future of Plymouth.
I encourage you to get involved by attending community meetings, participating in our financial planning sessions, or visiting our website to learn more about our budget. Together, we ensure that our schools continue to be a place of opportunity and success for every student.
Thank you for your continued support. Together, let’s keep investing in our children’s future, because when they succeed, we all succeed.
– Chris Campbell