RSU 5 board signals support for mid‑level budget after public pleas to save teachers

The RSU 5 School Board on March 11 moved closer to approving a mid‑range FY27 budget after residents, teachers and students urged the board to avoid cutting classroom positions.

The superintendent and finance staff reviewed three budget scenarios for the coming year — a baseline with no reductions, the superintendent’s recommended reductions ("tier 2," roughly a 6.5% year‑over‑year increase in the school portion of the tax rate) and a slightly higher option that restores a handful of positions ("tier 2a," about 7%). Finance staff presented community‑level tax impacts, and the board signaled a preliminary consensus for tier 2a as the warrant is prepared for next week’s formal vote.

Why it matters: Parents, teachers and students urged the board to preserve staff positions that supporters said are essential to maintaining program quality and legal obligations. Speakers pointed specifically to ESOL staffing, middle‑school French and a proposed high‑school math position as roles that would harm students if eliminated.

"We need this position. The kids need this position," said Erin Abbott, who identified herself as a Freeport High School teacher, describing intervention labs and the effect of…