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WEM board sets $320,000 ongoing deficit target, directs $120,000 in cuts
Summary
After a budget presentation showing a near-$800,000 FY25 shortfall and 29 days of reserves, the WEM board voted 5–2 to adopt a $320,000 ongoing deficit figure and asked Superintendent John Regan to identify $120,000 in cuts that do not include cutting teachers or programs.
The Waterville-Elysian-Morristown Board of Education heard a budget presentation from Superintendent John Regan on Jan. 27, 2025, that showed the district faces a fiscal year 2025 deficit of nearly $800,000 and a fiscal year 2026 ongoing deficit of $320,000. Regan told the board the district currently has "29 days of funding in their reserves."
After discussion, Board member Jon Bakken moved, and Jay Schneider seconded, to "stay with the $320,000 ongoing deficit and evaluate the budget next year for possible budget cuts." The motion passed 5–2, with Board members Jeff Stangler and June Rezac voting against the motion. The board further directed Superintendent Regan to identify $120,000 in cuts that explicitly do not include cutting teachers or programs.
Members raised revenue and cost pressures tied to recent legislative decisions, lower enrollment and recent employee settlements; the board did not adopt specific line-item reductions at the meeting and tasked administration with returning with options. The board scheduled continued budget review for the coming year and will consider proposals developed by district staff as part of the regular budgeting cycle.
