RSU 5 Board Proposes $44.5M Budget While Reducing Tax Impact

The RSU 5 Board of Directors convened on May 14, 2025, at the Durham Community School Auditorium for their annual budget meeting, focusing on the proposed budget for the 2026 fiscal year. The board presented a budget of $44,455,929, reflecting a 6.83% increase from the previous year. This increase is primarily driven by negotiated salary and benefit adjustments, which account for 82.5% of the total budget.

A significant aspect of the budget discussion was the board's commitment to balancing educational needs with taxpayer concerns. To mitigate the financial impact on residents, the board utilized $1,068,000 from the undesignated fund balance and projected $259,000 in interest income. These measures aim to lessen the tax burden while ensuring the district can continue to provide quality educational services.

The board outlined three main budget priorities. The first is to maintain high-quality programming despite a decrease in student enrollment, which has led to personnel reductions, including four educators and five educational technicians. The second priority focuses on supporting students' needs, with requests for additional staff, including a grade 4 teacher and a behavior educational technician, to replace positions previously funded by COVID relief.

The third priority emphasizes infrastructure improvements to ensure a safe learning environment. The budget includes funding for capital improvements at Freeport High School and security upgrades across all schools. The board also plans to methodically replace aging transportation vehicles and equipment.

The board expressed gratitude for the community's ongoing support and emphasized that the proposed budget is designed to foster student-centered learning environments that promote growth and postsecondary aspirations. As the meeting progressed, Superintendent Scurappa called for nominations for a moderator to facilitate the budget discussion, signaling the next steps in the budget approval process.

This budget meeting highlights the district's efforts to navigate financial challenges while prioritizing educational quality and community engagement, setting the stage for future discussions and decisions that will impact students and taxpayers alike.