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RSU 23 board approves $18.3 million FY2026–27 budget; referendum set for June 9
Summary
The RSU 23 School Board unanimously approved an $18.3 million budget for fiscal year 2026–27 that increases spending 4.89% and is projected to add roughly $10 per month to taxes on a $400,000 home; the budget goes to a validation referendum on June 9.
The RSU 23 School Board voted unanimously April 16 at Old Orchard Beach Town Hall to accept a proposed $18.3 million Fiscal Year 2026–27 budget, a 4.89% increase from the current year that the district says does not require any staff position eliminations. The board approved the budget after Superintendent John Suttie presented the development process, key expenditures and revenue assumptions, and a regional comparison of neighboring districts.
Under the district’s estimate, the budget would increase local property taxes by about $10 per month (about $120 per year) for a homeowner with a $400,000 property. Suttie said regional comparisons show nearby districts are proposing increases ranging from about 4.57% to 11%; he noted Kittery’s proposed package included a higher increase and elimination of 9.5 positions.
A motion to accept the FY27 budget was made by Board Member Peter Flaherty and seconded by Board Member Donna Moutsatsos; board members voted in favor. The approval moves the budget to the district’s Budget Validation Referendum, scheduled for June 9, 2026. The regional budget meeting is set for May 18 at 6:00 PM in the OOBHS cafeteria, and the district indicated June 9 will be a remote-learning day for the high school.
In the same session the board approved the 2026–2027 school calendar (motion by Santino Perrone; seconded by Donna Moutsatsos) and accepted the proposed Adult Education budget and RSU 23’s local contribution (motion by Santino Perrone; seconded by Peter Flaherty). Assistant Superintendent Eric Hanson presented warrants and documents for board signatures related to the upcoming budget meeting and the validation process.
Votes at a glance: - Approval of March 19, 2026 meeting minutes: motion by Santino Perrone; seconded by Barbara Roberge; all in favor. - Approval of FY2026–27 budget ($18.3 million): motion by Peter Flaherty; seconded by Donna Moutsatsos; all in favor. - Approval of 2026–2027 school calendar: motion by Santino Perrone; seconded by Donna Moutsatsos; all in favor. - Approval of Adult Education budget and local contribution: motion by Santino Perrone; seconded by Peter Flaherty; all in favor.
The board’s finance committee reported about 69% of the current fiscal year budget has been expended and revenues are meeting or exceeding expectations. The district will present formal documents and respond to budget questions during the May 18 regional budget meeting and ahead of the June 9 referendum.
