Region 11 board flags roofs, HVAC mandate as major drivers of proposed 3.19% budget increase

The Regional District 11 Board of Education on Jan. 20 heard that early budget planning for the 2026–27 school year anticipates a roughly 3.19% increase, driven in part by special education, transportation and rising insurance costs.

Superintendent Andrew Skarzynski told the board the district has prepared a preliminary budget that equals an additional approximately $232,000. He said reductions in out-of-district special education placements have produced some savings but that other cost drivers remain significant.

Skarzynski said the state is requiring that each school have an HVAC study every five years and that the district’s study is due in 2027; the superintendent estimated the study cost at about $30,000. He also reported initial estimates for roof work of roughly $600,000 for the main building and $300,000 for the library. "This is possibly the original roof with a recoating," he said, and noted the district can seek state reimbursement of about 75% but would need to be able to fund roughly 30% up front.

Board members and staff discussed other facility and program needs the budget must cover, including new fitness-center windows and a replacement exterior door. Skarzynski said the district is exploring possible new course offerings for next year and has begun informal outreach — including a visit from Senator Gordon — to discuss regional needs.

The board listed a formal budget presentation among the agenda items for its next meeting; no final budget vote was taken Jan. 20.