Preston BOE finance committee reviews 5.58% budget increase as public urges $200,000 cut

The Preston Board of Education Finance Committee met March 5, 2026, at the Preston Plains Library to review financial reports, hear public comment on the proposed FY2026–27 budget and consider staff recommendations for reductions and anticipated grant reimbursements. Committee Chair Kelly McNamara called the meeting to order at 6:00 PM; members Courtney Ennis and Charles Raymond and several administrators attended.

During the public‑comment period, Andy Depta criticized a proposed 5.58% budget increase and urged the committee "to take a really hard look at every line item," suggesting the board reduce the budget by $200,000 and asking where the money in the non‑lapsing account came from. "The funds in the non‑lapsing account means the town has over‑taxed citizens," Depta said, and he asked whether the BOE's role is primarily as "a social‑emotional agency or an academic agency." Another attendee identified in the transcript as Mr. Holmes questioned whether social‑media allocations were overfunded, said he opposed last year’s budget increase and asked whether the board should wait to act until a pending housing bill is resolved. Jill S. Keith praised the committee’s allowance of videotaping, commended Courtney Ennis for stepping into a leadership role, and said she would "go to the end of the earth to support school psychologists and school social workers."

Finance Director Cynthia Varricchio presented the January budget report, identifying lines that are tracking over‑ and under‑budget. She reported that a year‑end forecast would be available for the full Board of Education meeting on March 9. Varricchio also announced receipt of the first Special Education Excess Cost Grant reimbursement and suggested conservatively forecasting a $150,000 reimbursement for FY27, reflecting an estimated 60 percent reimbursement rate based on the current payment.

Superintendent Dr. Seitsinger outlined proposed FY27 reductions, including eliminating some stipend positions that are seldom used and seeking grant funding to cover a licensed Renaissance software program (moving its cost into a grant application to reduce the local budget impact). Seitsinger said a software audit is under way and could reduce license purchases by a few thousand dollars. He also cautioned that the District Repair and Improvement Program (DRIP) grant, which may cover some facilities items, currently has only an estimated award amount and provides substantial "front‑end" funding early in the grant period.

On personnel costs, committee members asked whether Facilities Director overtime could be reduced by offering compensatory time; Dr. Seitsinger responded that comp time is ineffective because overtime is paid at time‑and‑a‑half after 40 hours. Dr. Seitsinger also confirmed that a $25,000 reduction in contracted services represents a reduction in contracted curriculum support.

The committee approved the February 5, 2026 minutes on a motion by Courtney Ennis, seconded by Kelly McNamara, and later voted unanimously on a motion by Kelly McNamara, seconded by Charles Raymond, to forward the financial report to the full Board of Education for its March 9 meeting. The committee adjourned at 7:38 PM; its next meeting is scheduled for April 9, 2026.

What happens next: the full Board will receive the financial report and the committee will finalize any additional recommended reductions after the software audit and updated year‑end forecast are completed before the March 9 BOE meeting.