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Somersworth superintendent outlines FY26 budget, warns of potential program and staff cuts
Summary
The superintendent told the Somersworth School Board the recommended FY26 school budget will go to city council with a superintendent's proposal just under 6% and a tax‑cap budget just under 3%. The district said program cuts and staff reductions are possible if the city cannot provide requested funding.
The Somersworth superintendent reviewed district budget planning for fiscal year 2026 and flagged programs and staff that could be impacted depending on city funding decisions.
What the board heard
- Budget plan: The superintendent said the superintendent's recommended FY26 school budget is "under 6%" (presenter cited roughly 5.9%); the district also prepared a tax‑cap‑compliant budget of just under 3 percent. The city council scheduled a public hearing for Monday, April 7 at 6 p.m., when the city manager and school officials will present budgets and the public may comment.
- Potential impacts: The superintendent listed programs and positions at risk if requested funding is not secured: the CTC program, two central‑office positions, multiple teaching positions across the district and a possible district‑wide social work position (the district proposed a 50/50 cost share with the city for that social work position).
- Enrollment and assessments: The district reported a net enrollment increase of four students since last month. The superintendent noted Somersworth High School, Maplewood and Idlehurst elementary schools have been identified under state designations (ATSI/TSI) for targeted support related to subgroup performance; the district said it meets state testing requirements and is evaluating which formative assessment tool to use for teaching and learning (NWEA, STAR or I‑Ready). The superintendent emphasized the statewide assessment (SAS) is required but not the district’s primary instructional measure.
Why it matters: The board was urged to remind the public of upcoming hearings and to advocate for school funding as decisions at the city level may determine whether programs and positions are preserved.
No formal budget vote was recorded at the meeting; school officials said the budget will be taken to the city council and that public testimony is possible at the April 7 hearing.
