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Portsmouth school board asks council to fully fund budget to protect programs, add counseling and behavioral supports
Summary
Dr. McLaughlin, superintendent of Portsmouth schools, and school board members asked the Portsmouth City Council at a June 9 work session to fully fund the board's FY2026 budget proposal, saying it repurposes positions to add counseling, behavioral supports and curriculum alignment.
Dr. McLaughlin, superintendent of Portsmouth schools, and school board members asked the Portsmouth City Council at a June 9, 2025 work session to fully fund the board's FY2026 budget proposal, saying it is designed to preserve current programs and repurpose positions from recent retirements to meet rising student‑support needs.
"Our request is that you fully fund the school board's proposal," Dr. McLaughlin said, framing the proposal as one of "preserving and then reinvesting, and not one that expands" the district's headcount beyond repurposed positions.
Board members described three strategic priorities the budget aims to support: a rigorous, aligned K‑12 curriculum; building staff capacity through professional learning; and student safety, well‑being and belonging. To address behavioral and…
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