Proposed Budget Reflects $2.2M Increase Driven by Salaries and Benefits in Schools

The RSU 22 budget meeting held on May 1, 2025, revealed a significant proposed budget increase of 5.65%, amounting to $63,021,212. This marks an increase of over $2.2 million compared to the previous year, with a staggering 87.7% of this rise attributed to salaries and benefits for staff.

During the meeting, officials highlighted that $1,935,063.64 of the increase is directly linked to employee compensation, underscoring the financial pressures schools face in maintaining staff levels amid rising costs. The remaining $271,145.15 encompasses all other expenses, including classroom supplies and transportation, which reflects the tight budgetary constraints schools are navigating.

The discussion also touched on the implications of last year's budget decisions, particularly the allocation of $3 million from the fund balance, which had previously led to a decrease in school assessments for towns. This year, however, the anticipated increase in school taxes is expected to be significant, reversing the trend from the previous year.

Officials urged community members to understand the context of these budget changes, emphasizing that while the increase may seem steep, it is largely driven by the need to support personnel costs. The meeting concluded with a call for transparency and understanding regarding the budget's impact on local taxes and educational quality.