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Board reviews 2025–26 budget format and discusses 2% non-lapsing reserve policy ahead of tri-board presentations
Summary
The business manager reviewed the proposed 2025–26 budget layout and explained increases from about $23.9 million to $25.9 million before reductions; the subcommittee also discussed the district’s 2% non-lapsing reserve policy and how towns apply surpluses to capital or the general fund.
The business manager walked the subcommittee through the 2025–26 proposed budget spreadsheet, explaining object codes, org numbers tied to individual schools and how columns show the 2024–25 adopted budget, the 2025–26 proposal, and noted reductions and bracket conventions used in the printout.
"The 25.9 million is the proposed budget," the business manager said, explaining that the adopted town/town-meeting budget contained reductions to arrive at the number the district will operate under. They explained the auditors’ role in closing out the prior year and that final year-end figures are still being reconciled with the town until January.
Members asked about the process for any year-end surplus and learned the district can create a 2% non-lapsing account (approximately $480,000 at current budget levels) to hold funds for capital or to cover lagging invoices. Staff noted policy restrictions (for example, guidance around use for personnel) and that any usage ultimately requires board action and, where applicable, town approvals.
The subcommittee confirmed tri-board and budget presentation scheduling: all schools present Jan. 7, districtwide special education Jan. 8, and a tri-board session Jan. 12. Members requested Zoom links for those sessions to ensure remote participation.
Next steps: administrators will present detailed line-item requests in early January; staff and the board will reconcile year-end numbers with auditors and the town; subcommittee members will review priorities ahead of the tri-board presentation.
