Oyster River voters to decide $58 million operating budget March 11

The Oyster River Cooperative School District moved a proposed fiscal year 2026 operating budget of $58,002,091 to the March 11 ballot after a deliberative session vote on Feb. 4.

The school board recommended the budget, which excludes special-warrant appropriations and lists a default budget of $57,478,995 that would take effect if voters reject the proposed figure. The moderator said voters may hold a special meeting under RSA 40:13, 10 and 14 to consider a revised operating budget if needed.

Business Administrator Amy Ransom explained the fund breakdown: Fund 10 (general operating) is $56,002,463 and is the portion funded by taxation; Fund 21 (food service) is $1,249,628 funded by food-service revenues; Fund 22 (federal special revenues) is $645,000; and Fund 23 (pass-through funds) is $105,000. Total revenues for FY26 were presented as $7,097,402, which offsets part of the budget and reduces the amount to be raised by taxation. Ransom said roughly 80% of the general fund is salaries and benefits; contracted services, tuition, repairs, supplies and equipment make up the remainder.

Cost drivers highlighted by the administration included IT upgrades, curriculum costs, transportation and architect‑recommended facilities work (the presentation listed an architects' recommendation figure of $417,000). The presenters said the proposed budget exceeds the default budget by $523,096; if voters reject the article, the district would operate under the default budget, which incorporates required contractual obligations and legally mandated adjustments.

Moderator Michael Williams called for and recorded a show-of‑cards vote moving Article 3 to the ballot. The motion to place the warrant article on the ballot was made and seconded during the session and the article was moved to the official ballot for March 11.