The Winchester School District’s budget has received approval following a tight vote, with 349 residents in favor and 311 against. The new fiscal plan totals $13.03 million, representing a slight decline compared to the previous year’s budget of $13.1 million. Historical budget data indicates that the district’s actual spending has been consistently over $2 million less than anticipated in recent years, as highlighted during the deliberative session in January.

Business administrator Jane Fortson outlined that the budget adjustments were made possible by eliminating a teaching position, a custodial role, a social worker, and reducing support hours for English learners by 12 hours each week.

Residents made a significant decision last year to shift high school students from Keene High to Hinsdale High, implementing this change over a four-year period. Consequently, the agreement with the Keene district was not renewed. Starting in July, the Winchester district will enter into a seven-year contract with Hinsdale, which includes an optional ten-year extension.

For the 2026-27 school budget, the majority of high school tuition costs, estimated at around $1.5 million, are expected to still be allocated to Keene, while approximately $470,000 is earmarked for the initial students enrolling at Hinsdale.