Stratham approves 2025 operating budget after restoring $110,000 to preserve a teaching position

Stratham voters approved the school operating budget for 2025 at a district meeting, passing an amended appropriation of $15,636,375 after an amendment restored $110,000 to the board‑recommended total.

Principal Kate Lucas and Board Chair Jennifer Scrafford presented the budget framework and timeline, and noted the heavy share of salary and benefits in the district’s budget. The district’s proposed operating budget went through multiple iterations: an initial proposed increase of roughly 4.93 percent, a second version at about 2.73 percent, and the final board‑approved proposal at 1.99 percent over the prior year, before the amendment introduced at the meeting.

An amendment to add $110,000 back into Article 2 — restoring the average salary and benefits for one certificated position — was moved by Gail Vardakis and seconded by Heather MacNeil. Supporters of the amendment said the Financial Advisory Committee had vetted the larger figure and that removing the funds would increase class sizes and reduce one‑on‑one instruction. Cameron Orr, a member of the Financial Advisory Committee, said the committee had recommended the higher amount and quoted the superintendent’s warning that further reductions could require program or staff cuts.

Opponents cited declining enrollment, reassessment impacts on taxpayer burdens and the town’s overall tax picture. Several residents and committee members urged caution because the district’s personnel and collective bargaining obligations make salaries a dominant share of spending; speakers noted that roughly 95 percent of the operating budget consists of mandated items such as salaries, benefits and transportation, leaving little discretionary spending.

The amendment to increase the budget by $110,000 passed on a voice vote; after debate concluded the moderator called the final voice vote on Article 2 (as amended) and announced that the ayes had it and Article 2 passed. The meeting then approved a motion to restrict reconsideration on Article 2 so the item would not return to the floor that evening.

Speakers in favor of the amendment highlighted classroom sizes and special‑education supports. Kathleen Peck, who identified herself as school district clerk and a member of the Financial Advisory Committee, said restoring the $110,000 would prevent increases in fourth‑ and fifth‑grade class sizes and preserve access to instruction. Several parents and educators spoke in favor of the amendment, arguing that higher staff continuity and lower class sizes support student outcomes. Opponents pointed to a multi‑year decline in enrollment (testimony cited a fall from roughly 620 students in earlier years to roughly 470–499 currently) and the town’s reassessment and tax pressure.

What’s next: Article 2 now stands approved for the 2025 fiscal year at the amended amount; the district will proceed with appropriation and fall revenue scheduling, and the town’s revenue settings will determine the eventual tax rate.