Winslow Schools board proposes $460,032 in FY27 cuts, warns deeper $750,000 target would hit programs and staffing

Administrators for Winslow Schools presented a package of proposed reductions totaling $460,032.20 in the district’s FY2027 budget and told the school board those cuts were intended to respond to a town request that the district target further savings.

The presentation, given by Peter, showed the district’s first draft had sought a $699,329.10 (3.33%) total budget increase; after state and other revenues that translated to a $112,512.86 (1.22%) local tax-appropriation increase. The town council asked the district to explore an additional $750,000 in cuts. “The request was, ‘Can we cut 750?’” Peter said during the meeting.

Why it matters: Board members said smaller, targeted reductions could be acceptable but warned that deeper cuts to meet the full $750,000 would force elimination of staff and programs that are central to instruction, compliance and extracurriculars. “This isn’t trimming fat,” one board member said. “This is reducing budget for toilet paper and trash bags. This is impacting foreign language for younger kids, eliminating alternative education, eliminating a third-grade teacher and making third-grade classrooms have more kids in it.”

What’s included: The administration’s recommended changes emphasized non-personnel items where possible and phased staffing adjustments where unavoidable. Specific proposals presented included cutting a support contract for Apptegy (a communications platform), deferring some network-switch replacements, delaying track resurfacing, modest reductions in custodial supplies, asking existing staff to cover an unfilled half-time Spanish position for one year, and consolidating secretarial coverage across buildings. Administrators also proposed not replacing a retiring third-grade teacher (moving third grade from five to four teachers), which would raise class sizes to an estimated 19–22 students.

Programs and personnel at risk: Officials said deeper cuts would quickly hit curriculum offerings and staffing capacity. The board discussed examples: losing a high-school math hire would force elimination of daily algebra and advanced-placement classes; cutting unified-arts positions at the junior high would raise class sizes to the mid-20s and reduce electives; and cutting special-education staff could jeopardize legal compliance. Board members repeatedly warned tuition students (54 from Vassalboro) could leave if offerings decline, creating secondary revenue and enrollment impacts.

Temporary relief and mitigations: The district reported an anonymous donor will cover the local cost of a Jobs for Maine Graduates (JMG) position for one year while the program’s enrollment is reviewed, preserving that program for the coming year. Administrators also described internal reassignments—such as returning the Dean to a classroom/resource role—as ways to reduce payroll costs while maintaining student support.

Budget headwinds: The board also learned health-insurance costs arrived higher than budgeted. The benefits line came in at 11.38% rather than the 10% the district had planned, adding about $48,000 and reducing the net effect of cuts.

Next steps: The board agreed to present the updated budget and reductions at a town-council workshop scheduled for Thursday, April 9 at 6:00 p.m. at the Winslow Public Library and to return with a formal agenda item on capital/contract authorization in the next board meeting. No formal vote on the reductions was taken at the special meeting.

Board reaction and context: Members thanked the administrative team for the work but described the proposal as a hard compromise. Several said they would reluctantly support presenting the plan to the council to avoid further delay in hiring, while reserving the right to revisit positions if the community or council changes the target. “We don’t like it,” one board member said, “but we need to get a budget passed.”

What to watch for: The town-council workshop and the board’s next regular meeting, where a formal decision on capital contracting and any final budget adjustments may be placed on the agenda.