MSAD 15 board sends $36.99 million budget to voters, cites staff costs and bond payments as main drivers

MSAD 15’s school board voted to send a $36,988,442 budget for the 2026–27 fiscal year to voters, approving the move during its May business meeting and scheduling a district budget meeting for May 21 and a validation referendum on June 9.

The superintendent presented the budget as a 5.98% increase over the current year, driven largely by contractual salary step increases, rising benefits costs and debt service tied to recent indoor‑air‑quality projects. “We are recommending a $36,988,442 budget, a 5.98% increase from the current school year,” the superintendent said while walking the board through the articles and revenue assumptions.

Why it matters: the budget will determine classroom programs, staffing and capital spending for the coming year. Administration said the proposed total reflects no new positions, some targeted reductions and investments in materials, technology and facilities planning. The superintendent highlighted that if nothing changed the district’s maintenance‑of‑effort calculation would have implied a 6.7% increase — a frame of reference rather than a formal proposal.

Key details: Article 1 (regular instruction) includes materials and contractual raises and is projected to rise roughly 4%; Article 2 (special education) increases about 6.6% primarily because contracted services and out‑of‑district placements are rising; Article 8 proposes purchasing two buses and new routing software with GPS for parents; Article 10 shows a noticeable debt‑service increase tied to indoor‑air‑quality bond payments. Administration proposed paying portions of bond payments from capital reserve to smooth local impacts.

Board discussion focused on the role of benefit costs, including the state’s paid family medical leave contribution. “Part of that benefit increase is also the paid family medical leave act,” Finance Chair Sam Feifel said, noting the policy raises benefit costs district‑wide. Board members also discussed how revenue estimates tied to state valuation can change prior to tax bills.

Next steps: The board voted to move the budget forward for public ratification; the district budget meeting will convene at Green New Gloucester High School on May 21 (registration 5:30 p.m., start 6 p.m.), and the validation referendum is set for June 9. Administration will present slides and make a recorded overview available before the budget meeting to help voters understand the revenue assumptions and tax‑impact estimates.

The board did not give a roll‑call tally on the record in open session; the motion to send the budget forward passed.