RSU 5 administrators present $43.9M operating budget, vehicle and life‑safety plan; board approves first read of 2025–26 calendar

Freeport — RSU 5 administrators presented the district’s proposed operating budget, vehicle‑replacement and facilities plans and early calendar draft at the board meeting Feb. 5, reporting a projected operating cost increase and a recommended use of undesignated fund balance to cover several one‑time capital needs.

The most immediate budget numbers: the administration said the 2025–26 operating request totals about $43.9 million and represents a 5.72% increase in expenditures from the prior year. After reductions and known revenue changes, the superintendent’s office estimated a district‑wide net tax impact of roughly 7.21% under the current proposal.

Why it matters: The presentation grouped operating increases by broad Article categories and identified transportation, special education and school administration as some of the larger percentage increases. The proposal also asks the board to approve a multi‑year approach that uses part of the district’s undesignated fund balance to accelerate vehicle replacement, implement phase‑1 energy upgrades and complete a single phase of life‑safety projects without immediately increasing the budget’s local tax ask beyond the projected figures.

Key budget details presented - Operating totals: Administration cited a proposed operating budget of approximately $43,903,018 for 2025–26 (including adult education…