FY26 A.I. Strategic Budget Restructuring
Strategic Budget Restructuring in a Reduced Funding Environment
This session will guide participants in strategically realigning staffing and financial resources to address declining or constrained funding. Attendees will learn to analyze enrollment, staffing, and financial trends, evaluate fiscal constraints and funding opportunities, and differentiate between mandated and discretionary expenditures to support sustainable, legally compliant budgets. The session also emphasizes clear, transparent communication strategies to explain realignment decisions to stakeholders effectively.
Daniel Gale
Director of Finance and Operations
Hudson Public Schools
Daniel Gale has been in school finance since 2008 and has worked in Worcester, Clinton, Grafton, and now Hudson. He graduated from Bucknell University with a major in Business Mgmt and from Clark University with a Master in Public Administration, and also completed the MASBO licensure program. Daniel is currently on the Board of Directors of MASBO. He enjoys professional development and collaborating with colleagues. When not in the office, he enjoys playing all sports, especially golf, with friends and with his son.
Cynthia D. Mahr
Assistant Superintendent for Finance and Operations
Wellesley Public Schools
Cynthia Mahr has spent more than twenty-five years in state and school finance. She joined Wellesley Public Schools in 2018. Prior to Wellesley, Cynthia served as the Assistant Superintendent for Finance and Operations for Weston Public School and Director of Administrative Services for the Public Schools of Brookline. She is a Certified Administrator of School Finance and Operations and a Meritorious Budget Award recipient (Weston and Wellesley) from the Association of School Business Officials International, as well as the recipient of the President's Award from the Massachusetts Association of School Business Officials (MASBO). Cynthia is a Past President of MASBO. Cynthia earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from Hartwick College and her Master’s in Public Administration degree from Suffolk University.
