Next Tuesday, June 9, all registered voters in both towns will have an opportunity to vote on the district's 2026-27 budget. It should be noted that MSAD 51 is one of just a handful of districts in Maine that has been growing in student population over the last decade. The vast majority of Maine school districts have seen declining enrollment, many substantially so, over the same period of time. As a result, in 2023 voters approved construction of the new Carolyn F. Small School and addition to Mabel I. Wilson School in order to meet the needs of students. In the 2026-27 school year, the first debt service payment will come online and is included in the overall district operating budget. As a reminder, below are some of the highlights of the 2026-27 proposed budget:
- The total 2026-27 proposed budget is $56,767,888, or an increase of 5.46% over the current year's budget. With previously voter-approved One Campus project debt backed out, the 2026-27 operating budget increase is 4.22%.
- Debt service and land acquisition costs related to the One Campus project account for just under $667,000, or 1.1% of the entire proposed budget.
- $1.16 million in adjustments (mostly reductions) were made to my initial budget proposal back in early March.
- Cumberland's estimated tax effect of 5.16% and North Yarmouth's est. tax effect of 5.79% will likely drop once growth and development is factored in.
- When compared to 13 other school districts in this region, MSAD 51's expenditure increase is among the lowest, despite the fact that the district's student enrollment continues to grow.
- 2 additional classroom/content teachers at GMS 6-8 were included in this budget due to enrollment and to assist with teaming structures.
- 1 additional educational technician was included in this budget for special education services (IEP requirement).
- A part-time school counselor position at GMS 6-8 was included in this budget due to enrollment and student needs.
- A new assistant principal for grades PK-5 was included in this budget due to enrollment and the upcoming One Campus PK-8 grade configuration shift. The new AP will be reassigned to MIW (grades 2-4) in 2027-28.
- A new Pre-K Coordinator was included in this budget to assist with a new state mandate requiring local school districts to provide special services for all 3 and 4 year olds with IEPs.
This budget represents careful and thoughtful consideration and work over the last six months to balance the needs of our classrooms and programs with the reality of our community's financial obligations. The Board and administration have worked diligently to keep expenditure increases to a minimum while maintaining the highest possible percentage of expenses closest to the classroom.
For more information about the budget, check out these links:
District Budget Meeting Presentation
FY 27 Budget Summary Presentation (4.15.26)
FY 27 Budget Presentation (3.5.26)
FY 27 Budget Brochure