Somersworth schools propose $23.7 million budget; tax‑cap alternative would cut about $1 million and roughly 10 positions

Superintendent John Shea presented the Somersworth school department's FY2026 budget options to the Somersworth City Commission: a superintendent's recommended request of $23,700,000 (a 6.2% increase, about $1.9 million) and a tax‑cap‑compliant request of $22,700,000 (a 3% increase, about $900,000).

Shea told commissioners the superintendent's recommended figure reflects mostly negotiated salary increases and higher health insurance costs. "That $1,900,000 is overwhelmingly, salary increases connected to collective bargaining agreements that have already been made and health insurance far and away," Shea said. He said salaries and benefits are the largest portion of the school budget and that the district's salaries are around the state average; he also noted state funding shortfalls and special education obligations imposed by federal and state law.

Business Administrator Katie Krause laid out revenue and expenditure detail. She said estimated revenue for next year…