MSAD 11 board moves budget forward with two restored teaching positions after parents and teachers press for first grade

MSAD 11’s school board on Monday night approved putting a $33‑million‑range budget before district voters that restores two classroom positions after parents, teachers and students urged the board to protect early‑grade instruction.

Public commenters — including PRCS first‑grade teacher and Pittston resident Kristy Woodcock — told the board removing a first‑grade teaching position would push incoming classes to at least 21 students and worsen support for children with significant needs. "Cutting classroom teachers who are working directly with students each and every day is not the answer to lower the tax burden of the budget," Woodcock said during the public‑comment period.

Administrators presented updated budget scenarios after the district received a state “priority notice” that supplies a one‑time estimated payment of $97,760. Business Manager Andrea Dish said staff prepared three scenarios: a finance‑committee proposal (1.75% district increase), a version adding two secondary positions (2.23%), and a larger plan restoring three instructional posts (2.44%). Dish also briefed the board on a separate School Revolving Renovation Fund (SRRF) project: a ventilation/drainage fix at Gardner High School with a total project cost of $226,404, of which 66.15% (about $149,766) would be forgiven by the state and the district’s share would be about $76,638.

Board members debated whether to prioritize classroom positions, extracurriculars and taxpayer appetite for higher rates. Several members and multiple student speakers argued that first grade is foundational for literacy and social‑emotional skills; others cautioned that voter support has been eroding in recent years and emphasized the temporary nature of the state funds.

An initial motion to forward the largest budget package — which would have included three instructional positions — failed in a weighted show‑of‑hands (reported tally: 5,474 yes, 6,806 no). The board then adopted an amended budget to restore two instructional positions — the Gardner middle‑school science role and a first‑grade classroom teacher for Pittston‑Randolph Consolidated School — producing a 2.16% district budget increase with an estimated local impact reported around 6.19% and an added local dollar amount of about $868,406.93. The weighted vote to advance that amended budget passed (reported tally: 8,650 yes, 3,630 no).

The board also voted to add the SRRF ventilation project to the warrant for voter approval; Business Manager Dish told the board the project addresses water intrusion causing ventilation/air‑quality issues and that the state forgiveness makes it financially viable for the district if voters authorize the article.

Board members asked colleagues to talk with residents before the referendum so voters understand the choices. Administrators noted that the one‑time additional state funding will not recur next year and cautioned the district will face similar budget pressures in 2027‑28.

What’s next: The district will include the SRRF article and the approved district budget scenarios on the warrant for the upcoming referendum. If voters reject the proposed budgets, board members said they will reconvene to adjust plans and may face additional validation votes in affected towns.

Sources: Public comment and board discussion at the MSAD 11 special meeting (board introductions, public comment period, finance presentation and votes).