Manchester School District presents budget with focus on class size and teacher salaries

The Manchester School District's Committee on Finance meeting on February 19, 2025, highlighted a modest increase in student enrollment and a pressing need for budget adjustments to meet educational demands. The district reported an enrollment of 11,865 students, up from 11,851 the previous year, indicating a stabilization trend after years of decline.

A significant focus of the meeting was the district's budget, which is designed to accommodate the needs of both public and parochial schools. The current budget reflects a per-pupil spending of $17,733, notably lower than the state average of $21,545. This discrepancy means the district would require an additional $45 million to reach the state average, underscoring the financial challenges faced by the district.

The discussion also emphasized the importance of reducing class sizes, which necessitates hiring more teachers and creating additional classrooms. The district's policy sets class sizes at 20 for grades K-4 and 25 for grades 5-12, which directly impacts staffing needs.

In terms of teacher qualifications, 57.3% of educators hold a master's degree, a slight increase from the previous year. The average teacher salary in the district is now $71,240, which is competitive compared to nearby districts but still reflects the ongoing challenges in recruitment and retention.

The meeting concluded with a call for continued investment in educational programming, staffing, and infrastructure, as the district navigates the complexities of delivering quality education amidst financial constraints. The committee's discussions set the stage for future budget considerations and strategic planning to enhance student success and support systems.