Superintendent Presents $2.36 million Carrabassett Valley School Budget; Town Meeting Set for June 16

Superintendent Regina Campbell presented the Carrabassett Valley school budget for 2026–2027 to the Select Board, describing a proposed total of $2,358,410 and anticipated state aid of approximately $39,000. She said the proposed amount to be raised by the town is $1,919,410 and that projected enrollment is 91 students, down from 95 in the prior year's budget.

Campbell told the board that tuition costs rose despite the lower enrollment and emphasized uncertainty in special education needs. She described a $150,000 special-education reserve that is rarely spent but could be exhausted by the needs of a single student, and said the district maintains a $200,000 reserve as a buffer for unforeseen educational expenses.

Board members discussed enrollment trends, including the breakdowns of public versus private enrollments and full-time versus part-time categories, and noted a broader regional and national decline in student population alongside rising per-student costs.

The Select Board agreed to hold the annual June Town Meeting on June 16, 2026, and — with the usual moderator, Peter Farnsworth, unavailable — confirmed appointing Kay Rand as moderator. The board said the final warrant will be available for signatures at the town office or at the June 8 meeting.

Next steps: the school budget and warrant items will appear on the June 16 town meeting warrant for voter consideration.