RSU 51/MSAD 51 workshop outlines proposed FY26 budget: 7.2% increase driven by salaries, special education placements and technology

RSU 51/MSAD 51 officials presented a deeper review of the FY26 working budget during a budget workshop that the board opened after public comment. The administration said the proposed budget is up about $3.6 million, or roughly 7.23 percent, from the current year and that salaries and benefits remain the largest line item.

"Salaries and benefits account for a little over $44,000,000 of our budget," presenter Scott said, and the district expects a roughly $3.1 million increase in salaries and benefits (about 6.3 percent). Scott summarized changes across the 11 state cost centers, noting a net budget increase and pointing to several primary drivers: teacher and staff contracts, greater state subsidy tied to enrollment, higher out-of-district special-education tuition, modular classroom leases, and stepped-up technology and security costs.

Key figures and drivers discussed

- Overall proposed increase: about $3.6 million, or 7.23 percent. - Salaries and benefits: roughly $44 million total; salaries/benefits increase about $3.1 million (6.3%). - State subsidy: roughly $1.2 million increase tied to higher enrollment, presenter said. - Out-of-district special-education tuition: increases totaling about $400,000 (examples cited: ~$219,000, $100,000 and $80,000 across pages/lines). Scott said some students already are placed out of district and others are expected to need placement. - Debt service: principal/interest decreases of about $808,000 due to a maturing bond. - Modular classrooms: the budget adds approximately $150,000 in lease costs and…