Middle school budget includes district-funded Camp Lincoln; committee approves $304,893 proposal

The Timberlane budget committee voted to accept for consideration the middle-school FY26 proposed budget of $304,893.44. The middle-school presenter described key budget drivers as digital information-access subscriptions, classroom furniture replacement, and field trips focused on team building.

The presenter explained a multi-day, team-building program for 6th graders at Camp Lincoln is now budgeted by the district so families are not charged; the program previously had been paid by families. The school also piloted team-building trips for 7th and 8th graders — including a three-day Camp Trebonne Falls experience and single-day activities run by a community partner — and the budget includes transportation to support those trips. The presenter said these experiences have shown positive effects on school culture and student transition into middle school.

Committee members asked whether the district’s regular bus contractor would supply transportation and whether the district had contingency plans if vendors could not meet special-trip needs; district staff said they are actively discussing transportation arrangements with the regional director.

The committee approved the middle-school budget by unanimous vote to include it in the FY26 package.