Scotland Board approves $2.74 million budget, cites 3.9% increase and grant offsets

The Scotland Board of Education on May 5 approved a $2,740,146 budget for the 2026–27 school year, a $96,131 increase from the previous year representing a 3.9% rise, and carried the motion unanimously.

Board member Michael Gile moved to adopt the budget; Lisa LaBelle seconded and the motion passed with all members voting in favor. Administrators said the increase reflected limited places to cut and a small rise in the extended bus contract; some costs tied to retirements were noted. Officials said grant funds will be used for items not covered by the general budget, including a Drip grant for facilities and an afterschool grant to support parent events and field trips.

Why it matters: The board’s adoption sets the district’s spending plan for the coming year and preserves current programs and services. Administrators reported that while the district faces an outplacement-related deficit reported last month, grants have been identified that can be drawn down to offset those expenditures this year. Board member Clark Stearns asked to see financial actuals that include grant drawdowns to clarify the district’s net position.

The board also approved the financial report for the period, which showed 77.8% of the budget spent to date. Clark Stearns moved to approve the financial report; Michael Gile seconded and the motion carried unanimously.

Board actions recorded: the budget adoption was recorded as motion #4-25/26; the financial report approval was recorded as motion #3-25/26. Votes were recorded as carried unanimously; seven board members were listed as present for the meeting.

Next steps: The budget is now set for the 2026–27 fiscal year; the board requested grant-inclusive actuals to be presented at a future meeting to show how identified grant dollars will offset the previously reported deficit.