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Residents urge board to protect student‑facing staff, warn of tax strain
Summary
Several residents, teachers and parents told the board they oppose cuts to nurses, teachers and academic support staff; speakers warned that cumulative warrant asks and rising assessments risk pricing long‑time residents out of the district and asked the board to prioritize core student services over new technology purchases.
At the Oyster River public hearing, multiple residents and district employees urged the board to preserve positions that work directly with students, arguing that small‑class sizes, nurses and academic support staff are essential to student outcomes.
Debbie Nichols, who identified herself as an educator, said she could not support a budget that cuts staff who have direct contact with children. "All of the proposed cuts affect staff who work directly with kids. This absolutely should not be the case," Nichols said, asking the board to reconsider cuts at the central office instead of reductions to teachers and support staff.
Lee resident Colin Butler told the board constituents worry about the cumulative cost of warrant articles. "We are looking at roughly $14 million worth of asks in the warrants," Butler said, and urged the board to distinguish urgent needs from wants so that long‑time residents are not forced out by rising property tax bills.
Ben Vancamp, a parent, said his children have benefited from small classes and extra supports and criticized the district for proposing technology and administrative expenditures at the same time it reduces student supports. "I see we're adding to the administrative budget by about $100,000 while we're taking away teachers," Vancamp said.
An Oyster River teacher who spoke identified as Oliver and called it "unconscionable" to pursue AI platforms when staff who deliver direct services to students face cuts.
Speakers repeatedly asked for clearer detail about which specific positions would be eliminated and how cuts would affect programs like math lab and writing support. The board recorded public comment and said deliberations and any Q&A will take place at the deliberative session and subsequent board meetings.
