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Hollis school operating budget approved after debate over staffing and special‑education costs
Summary
Voters approved the district operating budget (Article 8). Budget leaders said step increases, special‑education tuition and insurance drove the increase; the proposed budget included reductions of one regular teacher and six support staff to offset costs.
The Hollis School District operating budget (Article 8) was approved by the meeting following presentations and debate. Budget committee chair Tom Gian summarized key drivers: the contractually required step increases for teachers, a rise in special‑education tuition and increased health‑insurance costs. To help meet guidance the budget includes staffing reductions — one regular education teacher and six support staff positions — and postponement of some equipment and textbook purchases.
Gian told voters the proposed operating budget represented careful work by administrators and the committee to balance legal obligations and service needs: "this budget, if passed, will reduce one regular education teacher. It will also reduce six support staff," he said, and noted that special‑education needs are a principal non‑discretionary cost.
Supporters argued the allocations preserve core services and minimize reliance on contracted positions; some residents moved amendments to alter totals but the meeting rejected reductions that would underfund negotiated contracts. After calling the question, the assembly approved Article 8 as presented.
