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Parents and residents praise reading gains and press board on taxes at East Kingston budget hearing
Summary
At a public hearing on Jan. 12, parents praised the school’s reading program and community programs while residents pressed the board for clarity about per-pupil costs and the portion of property taxes funding schools.
At the start of the East Kingston School Board’s public hearing on Jan. 12, multiple residents and parents praised program gains and asked detailed questions about taxes, staffing and the budgeting process.
Parent testimonials and program praise: Christopher Corvetti, a teacher and parent, thanked the board and staff for progress in reading instruction, saying his children showed noticeable gains and stressing the school and library are vital community resources. PTO president Heather Allen, in a video shown by the board, described the school’s community-centered culture and said the school teaches “children how to be good humans, not just good students.”
Tax questions and requests for clarity: Several residents raised questions about the tax burden for homeowners. Ed Robbins said he calculated that about "67.5%" of his property taxes go to schools (he later acknowledged that figure reflects SAU/cooperative and not only the elementary school). The finance officer agreed to locate and share a breakdown of how much of a typical tax bill is attributable specifically to East Kingston Elementary vs. SAU/cooperative assessments.
Staffing, per-pupil costs and budget forecasting: A resident cited a per-pupil figure of $33,701; the record shows different staff- and teacher-count figures discussed during public comment and clarification by the principal that classroom teachers are eight. The finance officer explained that budgets are built on known staffing and current enrollments and that grants and one-time facilities expenses can create variance between actuals and subsequent budgets.
What residents urged: Speakers without children in the school pressed the board to look for ways to reduce costs or attract commercial tax base, while parents and current families urged continued investment to preserve small classes and programming. Jerry Murray warned against underfunding schools and urged long-term planning to avoid cutting instruction.
What happens next: The board heard these comments as it finalized motions on trust warrants and the operating budget; the finance officer said the board will provide requested breakdowns to clarify how school-related taxes are allocated in future communications.
