Residents rally to support Stratham school budget amid concerns over class sizes and teacher cuts

The Stratham School Board meeting held on January 8, 2025, focused primarily on discussions surrounding the proposed school budget and its implications for the community. The meeting featured a range of community members, including parents and educators, who expressed their views on the importance of maintaining and potentially increasing the budget to support educational quality.

The meeting commenced with a parent voicing strong support for the budget, emphasizing concerns about potential cuts to teaching staff and increased class sizes. This speaker highlighted the significance of small classroom connections for student well-being and community engagement, arguing that budget cuts would undermine these essential elements of the school environment.

Another parent, who has been a teacher for 20 years, echoed these sentiments, noting that smaller class sizes have been beneficial for his child. He argued that a proposed budget increase of $415,000 would be fiscally responsible, translating to a minimal increase in taxes for homeowners. He pointed out that the town's growing developments would likely lead to increased enrollment, reinforcing the need for adequate staffing.

Greg Richardson, a parent and corporate strategist, provided a data-driven perspective, noting that the proposed budget increase of 2.7% is modest compared to national trends in salary and spending increases. He cautioned against conflating test scores with budget allocations, suggesting that the district's spending is already among the lowest compared to surrounding towns. He urged the board to consider the long-term legacy of the school and its impact on the community.

Several speakers raised concerns about the sustainability of the budget, particularly in light of recent tax increases and property reevaluations. One resident expressed apprehension about the potential for future budget increases and suggested a thorough review of all budget line items to ensure fiscal responsibility.

The meeting concluded with a call for community engagement and support for the proposed budget, emphasizing the importance of investing in education for the benefit of current and future students. Overall, the discussions underscored a collective desire to maintain educational standards while navigating the financial challenges faced by the district. The board is expected to consider these community insights as they finalize the budget for the upcoming year.