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RSU 06 board adopts 2026–27 budget package after last‑minute insurer updates
Summary
After last‑minute health insurance numbers reduced projected costs, the RSU 06 board adopted a version of the 2026–27 budget that trims positions by attrition and holds the assessment increase under 5%; the board approved the general fund and related budgets and set referendum and election dates.
The RSU 06/MSAD 06 school board approved the district's 2026–27 budget package at its April 4 meeting following late updates to health insurance costs that lowered projected increases.
Administration explained the budget process and several numbered versions presented to committees. Finance staff reported an Anthem renewal estimate that ultimately showed an 8.96% increase, which produced a version 8 budget reflecting a 6.02% overall increase and a 4.59% assessment change. The administration and finance team emphasized those updated totals were put into new documents for the board to consider.
Superintendent Clay Gleason said the district evaluated staffing through attrition rather than layoffs and identified at least seven positions removed from next year's plan through vacancies or reassignments. He explained one notable change: the high school's college‑and‑career role will be absorbed by the existing counseling team as part of a reorganization to maintain services within a reduced staffing footprint.
On formal motions, Director Sergeant moved to advance the proposed general fund budget of $69,576,948 with a local share of $38,646,529; after discussion, the board voted in the affirmative and the motion carried. The board also approved the adult education budget ($398,029 total; local share $148,914) and the school nutrition budget ($3,047,427 total; local share $127,971) by roll call motions presented during the meeting. The combined school budget figure presented later in the meeting was recorded at $73,022,404 with a total local share of $38,923,415 and was approved by the board.
Board members asked about fund balance planning and the use of carryforward dollars; administration said the district currently maintains a fund balance around $9.7 million and that a planned $4 million of fund balance was included in the proposed budget as a potential offset to the tax assessment, but that actual usage depends on final numbers. The finance team flagged key cost drivers: salaries/benefits and insurance, and noted out‑of‑district special education tuition and property insurance increases as other pressures.
Board Chair Welch and board members thanked staff and the budget advisory committees for expedited work to present updated figures. The board set a district budget meeting for May 6, 2026, and a budget validation referendum and at‑large board election for June 9, 2026, and authorized the superintendent to complete required notices and certify results.
