The Jaffrey-Rindge Cooperative School District is set to present a proposed budget of $33.5 million to voters, aimed at restoring essential activities, athletics, and preschool programs for four-year-olds. These programs had been funded last year with surplus funds after the district’s budget was cut to $30.78 million from a proposed $33.78 million during the deliberative session.
During the previous year’s budget process, the district made significant cuts to personnel and programs to align with the new budget target. However, following community feedback, surplus funds were utilized to reinstate some programs, including after-school activities and universal access to preschool. Superintendent Reuben Duncan addressed attendees at the budget hearing, emphasizing that while many costs remain cut, the proposed budget will include approximately $1 million for these restored activities.
In discussions led by School Board Chair Lisa Wiley, the board debated whether to incorporate these funds into the main budget or to list them as separate warrant articles. Ultimately, the decision favored inclusion within the budget to ensure these programs remain safeguarded in case of a default scenario. Duncan articulated the rationale, stating, “As a practical matter, if we think it’s important, it should be in the budget.” The proposed default budget for the fiscal year 2026-27 stands at $31.99 million.
Wiley expressed concerns regarding the district’s preparedness for potential cuts at the upcoming deliberative session, remarking, “Absolutely not.” She reflected on the unpreparedness faced last year and reiterated that external factors, such as insurance increases amounting to approximately $550,000, complicate fiscal planning. The board has instructed the administration to identify reductions from the initial proposed budget, which was set at $3.8 million.
The district aims to add a new position for an assistant superintendent of learning systems, expected to take over roles currently vacant, with an estimated cost of $196,677.
Petition Articles and Other Budget Considerations
In addition to the proposed budget, two petition warrant articles have emerged for consideration. The school board has begun verifying the signatures of registered voters required for these articles to appear on the ballot. The first article seeks to implement a budget cap based on a set cost per pupil. Should this proposal be enacted, it would limit proposed budgets to no more than $24,944 per pupil, adjusted for inflation. Currently, the district has an average daily membership of 1,088, which would result in a budget of $27.1 million under the proposed cap.
The second petition article seeks to establish a bathroom policy requiring students to use facilities corresponding to their biological sex or to utilize gender-neutral, single-stall restrooms. This policy aims to respect individual student values while ensuring privacy.
The board has opted to defer a vote on whether to recommend these articles until the signature verification process is complete. A meeting will be scheduled prior to January 26, 2024, when the warrant must be finalized for the deliberative session.
Additional Articles and Future Planning
The district plans to negotiate a three-year agreement with the support staff union, resulting in an initial increase of $236,283 in the first year, which translates to an 11-cent impact on Jaffrey’s tax rate and a 9-cent impact for Rindge. The subsequent two years of the agreement would see increases of $214,174 and $245,290.
Furthermore, a non-monetary warrant article aims to adopt an open-enrollment law, allowing students to attend public schools outside their home district. While Jaffrey-Rindge seeks to accept up to 150 students from other districts, it would restrict local students from enrolling elsewhere, as the law mandates that the “home” district covers tuition for students attending outside schools.
The district also proposes two additions to capital reserve accounts, including a new reserve for employee benefits, seeded with $25,000 from end-of-year funds, to address unexpected costs. Another request for $350,000 aims to facilitate reconstruction and repair of school facilities and equipment purchases.
The deliberative session is scheduled for February 4, 2024, at 6:30 p.m. at Conant Middle High School. Voting on all articles will take place on March 10, 2024, in the district towns.
