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SPENCER – School officials presented the budget from Bay Path Regional Vocational Technical High School during a presentation before the Spencer Finance Committee this month.
Superintendent Kyle Brenner and Business Manager Cindy Schofield outlined the FY27 total of $31,305,852, which Brenner explained included school choice funds.
The school choice money covers students who reside in one of Bay Path’s communities but opt to attend another vocational program elsewhere, Brenner said. The receiving city or town (such as Fall River) gets the funds.
In addition to Spencer, Bay Path’s other communities include Auburn, Charlton, North Brookfield, Dudley, Oxford, Paxton, Rutland, Southbridge and Webster.
Brenner noted the $12.4 million required contribution (mandated by the state) has gone up by $845,258 and each of the 10 towns must pay a share of that.
The vocational-tech school has an enrollment of 1,389 students and Spencer has 135 of those slots as of October 1,2025. Its total assessment of $1,548,305 shows an increase of 13%, Brenner said. The amount includes debt service that increased over the prior year and transportation funds that decreased.
The freshman class allocated 28 spots for Spencer kids.
Other factors impacting the budget include “double digit” health insurance hikes and contract wage increases as four units are currently negotiating, according to the superintendent.
In response to questions, Brenner explained that Bay Path offers 23 programs. Although there are no new courses this year, he said the school combined its marketing and business technology programs to produce “one robust enrolled program and we’re happy about that.”
The small engine repair shop was moved into the marketing space and students converted the IT program space—bringing about a large enrollment spike.
Brenner also spoke about a waiting list for diesel technology. The program moved into the former repair shop, which was renovated with a grant totaling $750,000.
Also, students at Bay Path can also participate in a co-op program starting in the second half of junior year.
Approximately 160 students took part in co-op last year.
“They made $970,000 in wages by going to work instead of school,” Brenner said of the weekly alternating. “They are earning while learning.”
Many students are hired by the co-op company after graduation and continue working while potentially pursuing higher education, he said. Others go directly to work or join the military.
“We give them the skills and they choose what door they want to walk through,” Brenner said.