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RSU 18 board unanimously adopts FY27 budget as members urge advocacy in their towns
Summary
RSU 18s board voted unanimously to adopt the FY27 budget after the administration presented a lean plan projected at roughly $47.16 million (about a 3.5% increase). Board members urged each other to advocate for the budget in their communities.
The RSU 18 school board voted unanimously to adopt the districts FY27 budget after a meeting-long review of updated figures and town-by-town tax impacts.
The administration told the board its working number is approximately $47.16 million, an increase of about 3.5% year-over-year after a $142,866 reduction tied to health-insurance projections. "I think this is a really lean budget," the superintendent said, adding the district had moved money internally and trimmed roughly $103,000 from operations to reduce the increase.
Why it matters: the budget sets school spending and the tax impact each town will see. The administration presented estimated percentage impacts per town and per-$100,000 home values; for example, Sidney was shown with the largest percentage change (about 7.9%), while Belgrades estimated impact was shown as roughly 2.4%.
Board discussion focused on clarity around health-insurance assumptions, the status of collective bargaining agreements and how the board should present and advocate for the budget to voters. "If we vote for it, that we will all stand behind it in our communities," a board member said, urging unanimous support so the public does not misconstrue dissent.
Chris moved the motion to adopt the FY27 RSU 18 budget and Andy seconded. After further comments from members about outreach and next steps, the chair called the question and the motion carried unanimously.
The administration said it will post final budget materials on the district website and send presentation materials to the five towns; the superintendent also said he will offer to present the budget in individual communities as requests come in.
