School board passes budget under default with $750K cuts and 2¢ tax impact

The Derry Cooperative School District (DCSD) has successfully proposed a budget that is $1.06 below the default, reflecting a significant reduction of approximately $750,000. This decision was made during a recent public forum held on February 18, 2025, where school board members highlighted their commitment to fiscal responsibility and responsiveness to community concerns.

The proposed budget, which includes an estimated tax impact of just 2 cents, was achieved through careful cuts and deferred costs. The school board emphasized that this budget aligns with the requests from the legislative liaison committee to bring the budget under default, showcasing their dedication to listening to constituents and making necessary compromises.

Despite the challenges faced during the budgeting process, the board expressed satisfaction with the outcome, noting that the budget meets both cost and educational needs. They acknowledged that while some stakeholders may not have received everything they wanted, the overall process was a testament to effective collaboration among all parties involved.

Looking ahead, the board anticipates even more challenges in the coming years but remains optimistic about their ability to address facility needs and IT requirements before the end of the fiscal year. The budget trend over the past three years has shown a consistent increase, but this year's proposal marks a notable shift, with a combined impact of only 28 cents when factoring in the teacher's contract.

The school board's support for this budget underscores their commitment to maintaining class sizes and ensuring that educational quality remains a priority. As the district moves forward, the focus will remain on balancing fiscal responsibility with the needs of students and the community.