The Timberlane Regional Middle School presented its FY27 budget to the budget committee, highlighting field trips, graduation costs and proposed student‑support staffing.

The presenter reported 721 students in grades six through eight and described long‑standing grade‑level field trips: a multi‑day sixth‑grade trip to Camp Lincoln, a one‑day seventh‑grade trip to Camp Trembling Falls and an off‑campus eighth‑grade experience. The presenter said community partners, PTSA and staff donations have helped ensure students do not miss trips for lack of funds: “Nobody was unable to go in the trip for lack of money,” the presenter said.

The middle school budget request also flagged graduation‑related expenses and a request to explore adding an in‑school support (ISS) position. The ISS role would focus on a small caseload (the presenter said they did not envision more than about 10 students at a time) to provide targeted behavioral support, keep students in school rather than sending them home, and ensure students remain academically current while serving consequences. The presenter and committee members contrasted the ISS role with school counselors’ grade‑level caseloads and described ISS as a more intensive, small‑group or individual support during the school day.

The presenter also listed storage challenges: staff said the school has limited secure storage and that a rental container has been used for athletic and program equipment; a seed request to address longer‑term storage needs was presented for future CIP consideration.

Committee members asked for job‑description specifics and how the ISS role would coordinate with guidance counselors. Staff said the district has experience with the model at the high school and would work to define the position if funded.

The middle school budget was accepted for review by the committee at the amount presented.