RSU 5 superintendent says negotiated pay increases will drive roughly 7.1% budget rise; district readies public process

Summary

Superintendent Gray told the RSU 5 board the district budget is about $44.5 million and that negotiated wage and benefit increases would raise wages 8.6%, producing an estimated 7.1% overall budget increase; board and staff discussed enrollment, staffing gaps, pre‑K class sizes and the budget timeline.

Superintendent Gray told the RSU 5 board Wednesday that the district—s baseline budget is approximately $44,500,000 and that negotiated contracts for wages and benefits would rise 8.6% next year — a change that, he said, would lift the overall budget by roughly 7.1% if other items remain the same.

The superintendent, speaking during his opening report, framed the numbers as part of a wider budget conversation the board must hold over the fall and winter. He said wages and benefits are by far the largest part of the budget and that the district has additional unknowns, including a not‑yet‑negotiated contract for support staff and likely increases in health‑insurance costs.

Board members and staff pressed for more context, and the superintendent and other administrators outlined several factors the board will weigh as it drafts a proposed budget: flat enrollment after a prior spike; staffing shortages in certain roles; and program and maintenance needs.

"The overall district budget is approximately $44,500,000," Superintendent Gray said, adding that "negotiated contracts for wages and benefits ... are going to go up by 8.6% next year," which would push the district—s total closer to a 7.1% increase. Board member…

RSU 5 superintendent says negotiated pay increases will drive roughly 7.1% budget rise; district readies public process

Summary

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