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RSU 13 presents 2025-26 budget; Cushing's share expected to rise about 9.2%
Summary
RSU 13 Superintendent John McDonald told the Cushing Selectboard on April 28 that the district's proposed 2025'26 budget would rise 5.75% overall, driven in part by a 14% jump in insurance costs and new Paid Family Leave requirements; the town's share is estimated to increase about 9.2%.
John McDonald, superintendent of RSU 13, presented the district's proposed 2025'26 budget to the Cushing Selectboard at its April 28 meeting, saying the budget would increase 5.75% overall and that Cushing's share of the cost is expected to rise roughly 9.2%.
McDonald described academic and behavioral trends he said justified investments: he reported test scores for RSU 13 schools "50% and above," behavior referrals down, graduation rates up and dropouts down. He told the board that rising insurance costs (he cited an increase of about 14%) and the new Paid Family Leave Act are among the factors putting upward pressure on the budget.
The superintendent noted a public budget meeting is scheduled for May 21 at Oceanside Highschool and that a printed budget-breakdown brochure is available in the town office. The presentation in Cushing was informational; the selectboard did not take a formal vote on the RSU budget during the meeting.
The proposed budget, if adopted by the district and approved by voters at the required election(s), would change the amount Cushing taxpayers are asked to contribute to RSU 13 in the next fiscal year. McDonald encouraged residents to review the brochure and to attend the May 21 budget meeting for more detail.
