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Chebeague Island School projects $78,000 FY26 surplus; committee backs FY27 staffing, curriculum and facilities priorities
Summary
The Chebeague Island School Committee heard that the FY26 operating budget is projecting a roughly $78,000 surplus and supported including staff pay, curriculum investments and facilities upgrades (kitchen equipment, painting, and natural play-area work) in the first draft of the FY27 budget.
Chebeague Island School Superintendent Aaron Townsend told the School Committee on Jan. 20 that the district's FY26 operating budget is projecting a surplus of approximately $78,000 across school funds.
The surplus gives the committee room to pursue priorities identified by staff, Mr. Townsend said. Committee members endorsed including improved compensation for hourly staff, targeted curriculum investments and facilities support — including replacement of the kitchen oven and dishwasher, interior painting and upgrades to the natural play areas — in the first draft of the FY27 budget.
Townsend also reported several operational updates that bear on the budget and staffing plans. The school is actively recruiting to fill an educational-technology vacancy; Tricia Haines has been subbing in that role in the interim. The district has hired a new bookkeeper to support state financial reporting and grant management.
On enrollment, Townsend said all mainland students who are eligible to return next year have committed to returning; the school is recruiting an additional two to four students and the Lead Teacher is communicating with families who have expressed interest. Those enrollment numbers affect per-pupil revenue and staffing decisions that will be reflected in the FY27 draft.
Townsend reported the school has had three inclement-weather cancellations so far this year. He said the current last day of school is Wednesday, June 17, 2026, but added that if more cancellations occur the district may pursue a state waiver to avoid making up a half-day cancellation recorded on Dec. 19, 2025.
Committee members also discussed the future of the school greenhouse and asked that greenhouse options be considered as part of facilities planning for the upcoming budget.
The committee directed that the FY27 first draft include the items discussed; the next regular meeting is scheduled for Feb. 3, 2026, when the committee will continue budget work.
