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Sanford School Committee approves amended $73.83 million 2026–27 budget to meet City Council tax guidance
Summary
The committee voted to amend and approve a $73,830,282 school budget for presentation to City Council after administrators outlined $454,940 in expense reductions and $606,425 of reserves and revenue adjustments intended to bring the tax impact to a 10% increase target; the motion passed with one opposing vote.
The Sanford School Committee voted on March 23 to amend and approve the 2026–27 school department budget in the amount of $73,830,282 for presentation to the City Council. The motion was moved and seconded during the meeting and passed after a voice vote in which one member opposed the measure.
Administrators said the proposed amendment combines expense reductions of $454,940 with revenue changes and use of reserves totaling $606,425 intended to lower the district's projected tax impact to roughly 10%, the target provided by the City Council. The superintendent explained that initial projections showed an 8.7% expense increase and a 21.1% taxation figure; the amendments and insurance adjustments reduced the expense increase to about 7% while using reserves and other adjustments to achieve the taxation target.
Specific reductions and adjustments described to the committee included: lowering planned capital reserves for Sanford High School/Sanford Regional Technical Center funds (a reduction of $171,000 from an initial $514,000 request), eliminating a half-time custodian position (estimated savings $28,260), removing an administrative assistant position at Sanford Middle School (estimated savings $81,664), drawing $38,691 from a special education reserves account, reallocating a carryover for Sanford Regional Technical Center ($80,545 moved into reserves with a Sanford-specific offset of $57,751), and using $90,000 of the unassigned fund balance. Administrative staff also reported health and dental insurance renewal savings that lowered previously budgeted increases.
During discussion, Committee member Melissa said she supported much of the workshop work but opposed a 10% property-tax increase as unaffordable for many families, noting local poverty statistics and cautioning against adding positions the district cannot sustain. "However, I still think that the budget with a 10% increase to taxation does not make sense for our community," she said. Other members commended the City Council and district staff for collaboration and described the package as a balanced step that preserved key restorations at the middle school.
A committee member moved to amend and approve the budget at $73,830,282 and another seconded; after discussion the committee took a voice vote, the chair reported one opposed and declared the motion passed. The amended budget will be presented to the City Council at its next budget workshop scheduled for March 24.
