The Weare School District board voted Jan. 14 to adopt the 2026–27 proposed operating budget after a lengthy public hearing on revenue pressures and program needs. The board adopted a proposed operating budget of $20,615,177 — a 3.66% increase ($754,438) over the current operating budget — and approved moving related warrant articles to deliberative session.

District presenters said the gross increases across salary, benefits and purchase services totaled about $1.7 million, largely offset by the expiration of a bond. Speaker 8, the business presenter, described current general‑fund status and revenue timing changes tied to Medicaid invoicing and state entitlements. "Currently, we're sitting with a in progress $94,507.40 on the general fund balance," Speaker 8 said, and added that changes in Medicaid payment timing should improve cash flow this year.

Health‑insurance rates were singled out as a major cost driver. Speaker 4 told the board that the district faces a 16.9% increase in health‑care costs, pushing benefits up $635,748. "The health care increases are... just over $700,000," Speaker 4 said, and noted the district is researching self‑funding and other options but could not guarantee savings.

Special‑education demand and out‑of‑district placements also increased expenditures. The administration reported that identified early‑childhood special‑education caseloads have risen since October (pre‑K from 29 to 36) and that the district now serves 209 students receiving services (about 25% of enrollment). The district proposed shared SAU positions and additional encumbrances for anticipated out‑of‑district tuition; Speaker 9 noted active IEP obligations and that costs may continue to grow even if student progress is limited.

Board members asked how budget increases translate to tax bills; the business officer projected a district tax rate rising from 9.77 to a projected 10.45 under the proposed budget and estimated the combination of the WEA contract and a capital reserve article would add additional cents per thousand — producing a projected roughly $420 annual increase on a $350,000 house if those elements pass. The board approved the budget by individual roll call and directed staff to finalize voter mailings and the mandated public notices.