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Westbrook board reviews $21.8 million proposed budget, asks staff to raise health premium estimate
Summary
At a Jan. 6 special workshop, the Westbrook Board of Education reviewed a $21,839,364 proposed 2026–27 operating budget and a 10-year capital plan; board members pressed to raise the health insurance premium assumption from 15% to 18% and to move certain operating items into the capital plan.
Superintendent Kristina J. Martineau presented the Westbrook Public Schools’ proposed 2026–27 operating budget of $21,839,364 at a special Board of Education workshop on Jan. 6, saying health insurance increases and contractual salary obligations were the primary drivers of the proposed rise in spending.
Martineau told the board that the proposed operating budget represents an increase of $1,228,258, or 5.96%, over the 2025–26 budget, and that projected health insurance cost increases account for $628,786 — roughly 51.2% of that total increase. Board members expressed concern that actual premiums could exceed current projections and asked staff to increase the assumed premium rise from 15% to 18% for planning purposes.
The superintendent also outlined staffing changes included in the proposal, notably additional in-house special education support positions based on student need and a full-time Dean of Students for grades PreK–5 at Daisy Ingraham Elementary School, which the presentation characterized as an urgent operational need.
Martineau presented the district’s proposed 10-Year Board of Education Capital Plan for 2026–2036, highlighting planned large projects including replacement of roofs on all three school buildings, a replacement of the WHS HVAC system, and work on the WMS/WHS athletic complex.
Board members requested that items currently in the proposed operating budget that are capital in nature — specifically flooring, cafeteria equipment, and exterior door replacements — be moved into the 2026–27 capital plan to reflect proper budget classification. Members also praised the effort behind the operating and capital proposals while reiterating concern about rising health insurance costs and their effect on the district’s fiscal outlook.
No members of the public spoke during the public comment portion of the meeting. A motion to adjourn made by M. Luft and seconded by P. Fitzgerald passed unanimously, and the meeting ended at 7:00 p.m.
