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Superintendent: small state funding uptick leaves Scarborough facing tight FY27 budget choices
Summary
Superintendent Diane reported a projected FY27 state general-purpose aid of $8,941,422.82 and explained that rising local valuations and contractual salary costs will limit new revenue, forcing difficult budgeting choices despite a modest increase.
Scarborough's superintendent told the Board of Education the district's FY27 state general'purpose aid is projected at $8,941,422.82, an increase of roughly $38,294 from the current year, and warned that the modest bump will not offset rising salary and benefit costs that make the coming budget year "much more challenging."
Diane explained that the state Essential Programs and Services (EPS) formula and recent increases in Scarborough's local valuation — reported in the meeting as $6,569,933,333, an increase of $859,916,666 from the prior year — mean the district will receive only a fractional increase in aid. She said over 80% of the district budget covers staff salaries and benefits and noted that existing contract obligations (about a 4% average increase for staff contracts noted in the meeting) will constrain options.
Board members pressed for clarification about what contributes to the valuation change and whether tax-increment-financing or other local arrangements affect the calculation; Diane said she will follow up with a detailed breakdown from the town finance office. The board discussed the town council's aspirational 0% mill-rate goal and how that interacts with school budget planning.
Also noted in the superintendent's report: Scarborough High School achieved AP Access and AP Honor Roll distinctions; several coaches reached milestone wins; and the district reported strong performance in extracurricular competitions. The chair summarized some items in the governor's supplemental budget that could affect schools statewide, including a proposed classroom cell-phone ban with implementation funds and funding for bus safety enhancements.
Diane said the EPS formula is under study and that she will attend a March workshop to review findings that could affect future allocations. The board indicated it will continue budget planning over the coming months and bring more detailed budget proposals to committee and public workshops.
