Board hears $1.1 million preliminary surplus, warned federal and state funding bills could squeeze future budgets

The Oyster River School Board heard a financial update showing an estimated $1.1 million surplus for the current year and discussed how pending state legislation could affect future budgets.

The business administrator told the board the district is “in really good shape,” estimating about $1.1 million over current projections. Staff said the plan includes using $250,000 of fund balance to offset taxes and funding two warrant-article set‑asides totaling roughly $500,000; after those allocations the working fund balance was reported at about $689,000. Buildings were asked to submit purchase orders before April vacation so the district can close fiscal-year needs.

Board members and the district’s NHSBA delegate raised concern about a set of bills moving through the New Hampshire Legislature that could reduce state education funding or change how money follows students. School Board Member Gianna, the district NHSBA delegate, warned specifically about HB 115 (and Senate companion SB 295), which would expand eligibility for education freedom accounts (vouchers), and HB 675, which would impose school budget caps unless communities approve overrides by a supermajority. She said the expansion of vouchers could “cost greater than $100,000,000 per year” statewide and that many voucher recipients already attend private schools, shifting public funds away from districts.

Superintendent Robert Schapp and board members urged residents to follow legislative developments during crossover week and contact legislators and the governor’s office if they have concerns. Board members noted the district will continue finance‑committee work this spring to assess macro fiscal pressures and plan potential adjustments if state or federal allocations change.

No formal board action was taken on funding policy at this meeting; the discussion was framed as planning and monitoring.