Manchester School Board reviews budget with $45 million funding gap concerns

The Special Board of School Committee meeting held on February 20, 2025, focused on the approval of the tax cap compliant budget, the school food and nutrition budget, and the capital improvement plan projects. The committee is requesting an increase of $6.6 million to address various needs within the Manchester School District.

During the meeting, concerns were raised regarding the adequacy of the proposed budget. A committee member highlighted a significant gap in per pupil funding, noting that Manchester's spending of $17,007.33 per student falls short of the state average of $21,045.45. This discrepancy amounts to a potential $45 million shortfall to reach the average funding level, raising questions about the district's ability to meet the diverse needs of its students.

The discussion also touched on the challenges faced by schools in providing adequate support for students with special needs. A specific school was mentioned as struggling to meet the requirements for students with varying needs due to insufficient staffing. The superintendent acknowledged these challenges and indicated that efforts are underway to establish additional resources, including a new classroom to support special education needs.

While the district is working to maximize its current budget, there is a call for a more comprehensive needs budget to ensure that all students receive the necessary support. The superintendent expressed openness to the idea of presenting a needs budget if the board deems it necessary.

The meeting underscored the ongoing challenges within the Manchester School District, particularly in addressing the needs of a diverse student population. The board's next steps will involve further discussions on budget allocations and potential adjustments to better serve the community's educational requirements.