TRSD superintendent outlines $4M reduction, 13 positions cut and capital deferrals

TRSD Superintendent Justin Krieger updated the Danville Board of Selectmen on school operations and multi-year budget planning during the May 18 meeting. He said the voted budget from March was "about $4 million less than what was initially proposed by the school district," and that the School Board reduced personnel and capital to meet the lower number.

Krieger said the School Board eliminated 13 positions, reducing the labor force by nine, and cut roughly $1.3 million in capital projects; the district also pushed the next lease payment (a little less than $1 million) into fiscal year 2028. To cover some needs, the district repurposed two positions and will add an in-school support specialist at the middle school. He said principals identified about $640,000 of additional savings by trimming items such as an intercom project, selected technology purchases, and maintenance painting.

Krieger also said the district requested and received approval from the Commissioner of Education to expend funds beyond projected revenue to cover special-education costs under a specific RSA; he will verify how unused authority may affect this year’s tax rate. He described classroom practices and supports at the elementary level — including a "soft start," weekly professional learning communities, coaching in reading and math, and co-teaching models that keep special educators in classrooms.

The superintendent asked the towns to coordinate deliberative-session scheduling around the school calendar; a survey on the date generated more than 750 responses with significant feedback favoring a Saturday meeting. Marianne Springer was named the School Board’s representative to the School Budget Committee; the first joint meeting is scheduled for September 10.