RSU 04 voters approve 2024–25 spending plan; November 5 ratification set after $22.64 million budget vote

RANDALL GREENWOOD, moderator, opened the RSU 04 annual budget meeting and recognized Superintendent Katie Grondin, who summarized the district’s proposed 2024–25 budget and its primary cost drivers. Grondin said the district employs about 225 staff and that salary changes increased costs by roughly $192,399; a 12% rise in employee health benefits added about $484,000. Special-education placements and related services (OT, PT, speech) were also cited as budget drivers, including 19 out-of-district slots and a DOE-recommended 6% rate increase that together added roughly $335,422. The superintendent said the net increase in expenditures was about $1,059,000, a 4.91% rise.

The board read and voted on warrant Articles 1–14. Most articles were moved, seconded and passed without discussion. Notable article totals read into the record included: Article 1 (regular instruction) $7,547,261; Article 2 (special education) $4,978,561; Article 8 (transportation) $1,356,011; Article 9 (facilities maintenance) $3,352,332; Article 12 (municipal appropriations) total appropriation $17,664,952.63 with $6,281,938.66 to be raised by RSU assessment; and Article 14 (total expenditures/school board authorization) $22,637,019 for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2024 and ending June 30, 2025.

Article 12 was decided by hand count, producing 25 votes in favor and 2 opposed. Article 13, which authorizes additional local funds of $4,103,065.03 to exceed the state’s Essential Programs and Services (EPS) allocation, was conducted by written ballot as required by statute; the moderator reported 31 ballots cast with a result of 22 yes and 9 no, and declared the article carried. The moderator reminded the meeting that tonight’s votes are part one of a two-part process: ratification will be on the Nov. 5 referendum (early voting and absentee ballot procedures were explained by town clerks and the moderator). A town official advised that absentee ballots cannot be accepted until after this public budget meeting.

During discussion on Article 9 (facilities maintenance), Tom Wood of Litchfield noted a cooperative agreement between Litchfield and RSU 04 that makes the Cary Ricker facility available as an emergency warming/cooling center, saying, "it's not just a schoolhouse, it's an emergency shelter for the citizens of the 3 towns." The comment was recorded and the motion for Article 9 subsequently carried.

The moderator closed the meeting after the final article and confirmed early voting is available in person at town offices through Oct. 31; the school budget will be ratified by voters at the scheduled referendum on Nov. 5. With no further business, the meeting adjourned.