Ware voters debate $21.37M school budget; amendment to cut bond amount defeated
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Summary
The Ware deliberative session considered a proposed operating budget of $21,369,615 (3.66% increase). Residents debated rising special-education and health insurance costs and a Janice Matthews amendment to remove a $918,554 bond-related amount; the amendment failed in a show-of-hands vote.
Administrators at the Ware School District deliberative session presented Article 3, the operating budget for 2026–27, proposing $21,369,615 — a $754,438 (3.66%) increase over the current year.
The presentation identified key drivers of the increase: a large rise in health and dental costs (presenters cited a roughly $731,754 increase on benefits lines, including premium increases and HSA contributions), a special education increase of $395,061 driven by contracted services and transports, and other salary/benefit increases. Administrators noted that a middle-school bond principal payment has expired, which reduced obligations but that state revenue adjustments offset part of that expected relief.
The Ware Finance Committee presented a unanimous 10–0 recommendation to not support the proposed budget, citing sustained increases in school spending over recent years and declining enrollment. The committee argued that a different budget posture could reduce the tax burden while preserving services.
During public comment, several residents voiced concern about the budget’s size and rising tax implications. In response, Janice Matthews proposed an amendment to reduce the warrant amount by $918,554 — effectively removing the bond amount the district had expected to regain — producing a revised total of $20,451,061. The amendment was seconded and debated at length, with proponents saying the board could find cuts and opponents warning that the reduction would force staff cuts and cut services to students.
The assembly voted on the amendment by show of hands. The moderator reported the amendment was defeated (the transcript records an approximate tally of 15 in favor and 44 opposed). Following the vote, the moderator moved and the body passed a restriction on reconsideration.
Administrators reiterated that the default calculation (state-defined) for 2026–27 would be $21,057,226 and explained differences between proposed and default figures. The deliberative session closed budget debate under the moderator’s rules; the full warrant article will appear on the official ballot for voters to decide on March 10, 2026.
Key figures
- Proposed operating budget: $21,369,615 (3.66% increase) - Default budget (SB2 calculation): $21,057,226 - Proposed amendment (reduction): $20,451,061 (reduction of $918,554) — defeated by show of hands - Noted drivers: health/dental increases, special education (+$395,061), SAU shared costs, energy increases
What happens next: The full Article 3 appears on the ballot March 10; voters will decide the final budget amount.
