MIDDLEBORO — The Middleboro School Committee granted Superintendent of Schools Carolyn Lyons a 3 percent raise at their Thursday Sept. 7 meeting, but not without some discussion of the impact on the school budget.

Lyons’ contract calls for an increase of up to three percent each year. That percentage raised her salary from 187,500 to 193,125. She began serving as superintendent in the summer of 2022. 

Committee chair Rich Young said the terms of the contract, including granting a raise up to 3 percent, were developed in comparison to those of similar school districts to keep the position competitive.

The raise is based on a positive evaluation, which she received. She was ranked as proficient in nearly all categories during her job review that was discussed at the previous meeting. 

Committee member Marcy Fregault questioned whether Lyons could or would accept no raise, in consideration of what she said has been described as a “financial cliff’’ that the schools are facing. 

Funding through the federal Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief fund is slated to end in September 2024, which could have a significant financial impact, she said.

Lyons’ salary is “more than double the median family income’’ in Middleboro, Fregault said. If future budgets require significant cuts, accepting a three percent increase would be “completely irresponsible,’’ she said.

Committee member Christopher Benson asked if her increase could be delayed until potential financial impacts could be measured. 

Young countered that granting no raise might violate the terms of the contract. He also said that Lyons is the only school employee to have a job evaluation in public and that the committee had approved other school contracts with increases.

The salary increase was already factored into the current fiscal year budget, which he noted did not require any layoffs. 

Committee member Jessica Chartoff said that the number of teacher resignations has been lower than in the past which “speaks on some level to the leadership.’’

A proficient rating and apparent teacher confidence are positive indicators, she said. “You can’t ask more of a one-year employee,’’ she said.

Young, Chartoff and committee members Ezekiel Lewis and Allin Frawley approved the raise. Fregault and Benson voted against it. 

Lyons made no public comment about the discussion or the increase.