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Region 11 board approves $7,507,792 preliminary budget; cites salary increases and roof work
Summary
The Regional District 11 Board on Feb. 17 approved a $7,507,792 preliminary budget request (a 3.19% increase) driven largely by contractually obligated salary increases; the board also approved the 2026–27 calendar, multiple policies and set graduation for June 12, 2026.
Chair Cassidy Martin called the Regional District 11 Board of Education to order on Feb. 17, 2026. On a motion by Board member Michael Smardon, seconded by Board member Joy Becker, the board approved a preliminary FY 2026 budget request of $7,507,792, a 3.19% increase over the prior year.
The request, presented by Superintendent Andrew Skarzynski, reflects an increase of $231,910 in total. Skarzynski and district staff identified the main cost drivers as contractually obligated salary increases for certified staff (about 90% of the budget increase), anticipated contracts for secretaries and paraprofessionals, benefits renewal costs, contracted work to cover vacancies such as a school psychologist, critical maintenance needs and a required, unfunded HVAC inspection. Special education expenses were reported at approximately 23.3% of the budget. Jobina Miller, who presented the January financial statements and the district’s forecast, said heating and plowing costs are being monitored following a season of significant weather and that unfilled positions are providing some budgetary cushion.
The board approved the financial statements, the preliminary budget, the final 2026–27 school-year calendar and several board policies during the meeting. The policies adopted were 1312.3/6161.12 (Library Material Review & Reconsideration), 1312.4/6161.13 (Library Collection Development and Maintenance), 1312.5/6161.14 (Library Display and Program) and 6172.4/6161.31 (Title I Parental and Family Engagement Policy). The board also set graduation for Friday, June 12, 2026. All votes on these routine agenda items were recorded as approved unanimously.
Superintendent Skarzynski also reported the district completed a recent facility assessment and noted that the school’s roof will need to be replaced. Board members did not set aside additional detail on funding mechanisms for that work during this meeting; members instead moved to approve the preliminary budget as presented so towns can begin their local budget processes.
During the public comment period, Jeff Sprague asked whether a homeschooled student could play on the school baseball team; the minutes record the question but do not record an answer. Later, Kathy Donahue requested a copy of the budget and a letter to share with the Board of Finance.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:51 p.m. with no additional agenda items identified for the next meeting.
