Scarborough School District Proposes Budget Increase

Scarborough School District Proposes Budget Increase: Focuses on Student Growth and Expanded Programs

The Scarborough school district is seeking a budget increase of nearly six percent for the upcoming year to accommodate a rising student population and new programs. Initially, they needed almost seven percent more funding, but through staff reallocation and cost-cutting measures, they managed to reduce it. However, special education needs, grant uncertainties, and pre-kindergarten expansion have added to the budget.

Personnel costs make up eighty-one percent of the budget, with wages, salaries, and benefits increasing by seven point one percent to over four million dollars. Insurance premiums are another significant expense, with a budgeted fourteen percent jump after last years ten percent hike. The district aims for a more moderate ten percent increase this time.

The district has seen an increase in students requiring special services, adding to the budget pressure. To safeguard against uncertain federal grants, theyre shifting some essential staff to local funding, offset by moving other expenses for a net hit of forty-two thousand dollars. Most funding comes locally at eighty-seven percent, with the state covering twelve point six percent, including nearly seven hundred thousand dollars extra for pre-K growth.

Compared to other districts, Scarborough spends more on direct instruction, special education, and support services, while spending less on transportation, facilities, and administration. District leaders argue that this focus keeps the emphasis on students.

The full municipal and school budget will be presented to the Town Council on Wednesday, April first, with the goal of maintaining zero percent tax hikes across the board.

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