RSU 18 board adopts $47.16 million FY27 budget after debate over town impacts

The RSU 18 school board voted unanimously Thursday to adopt a $47,157,904.19 fiscal‑year 2027 budget after a presentation by Superintendent Matt Keith and a round of discussion among board members.

Superintendent Matt Keith opened the discussion with a slide presentation showing updated numbers and town‑by‑town impacts. He said recent health‑insurance figures allowed the administration to reduce projected costs by $142,866 and that the revised proposal represents roughly a 3.5 percent year‑over‑year increase. Keith said the budget is “really lean,” adding, “I think this is a really lean budget.”

The presentation highlighted estimated property‑tax impacts by town: Belgrade about 2.4 percent, China about 4.3 percent, Oakland about 6.7 percent, Rome about 4.1 percent and Sidney about 7.9 percent; the superintendent also showed an estimated impact per $100,000 of home value (Belgrade: $17.50 per $100,000). Keith told the board he would publish the final slide deck and send it to town leadership when the number is finalized.

Why it matters: The vote sets the district’s spending ceiling and triggers outreach to voters in each town. Board members emphasized that how they communicate the decision will shape community response; several urged unanimous support to present a united message in towns that will ultimately vote on the budget.

Board discussion: Multiple members praised the work of administrators and said the proposal is more balanced than in past years. Board member Sarah (speaking in support) called the plan “one of the most balanced budgets I have seen” and urged colleagues to back it. Board member Andy urged unanimous support and outreach, saying he wanted the board to “be unanimous” so the public would not misinterpret dissent.

Motion and outcome: Board member Chris moved to adopt the FY27 RSU 18 school budget in the amount of $47,157,904.19; the motion was seconded by Andy. The chair called the question and the motion carried by voice vote; the record shows the vote carried unanimously.

Context and next steps: Keith flagged several state-level items that could affect district operations and costs, including state funding to implement a bell‑to‑bell student cell‑phone ban by Aug. 1 and funding for swing arms on buses. He also previewed future discussions of the district’s cost‑sharing formula. The board directed administration to finalize materials and said members would assist with town outreach in the weeks ahead.

Votes at a glance: - Hire of Lauren Glick, speech and language pathologist (motion moved by Angie, seconded by Chelsea): approved, unanimous. - FY27 budget adoption — $47,157,904.19 (moved by Chris; seconded by Andy): approved, unanimous. - Warrant article format — move to open warrant articles (moved by Andy): approved, unanimous. - Preauthorization to transfer up to 5% between cost centers (moved by Andy; seconded by Mike): approved, unanimous. - Preapproval to apply for state and federal grants that do not require local matching funds (amendment moved by Heather; seconded by John): approved, unanimous.

The board adjourned after scheduling outreach and follow‑up work on budget education for towns.