Missisquoi Valley School District #89 presents third FY25 budget proposal with $1.7M in cuts; tax impact limited by rising property values

At a meeting that began at 7:08 p.m., Missisquoi Valley School District #89 staff outlined fiscal year 2025 budget proposal number 3, saying the version voters will see totals $48,909,437 after roughly $1.7 million in cumulative cuts.

District staff presented line‑item reductions including a $250,000 cut to capital projects, several adjustments to district‑office and school staffing allocations and the removal of a proposed floating custodian position. "I didn't want anyone to think that we cut a custodian that's existing," said Staff member (S6), noting the role was planned but not yet filled. Staff said one teaching position that had not been filled was removed from the proposal.

Officials emphasized that the equalized tax rate — the portion of a homeowner's tax bill tied directly to the school budget — would be about $1.19 under the proposal, but many taxpayers have seen larger…