Danielle Boutin

The committee discussed and approved a three-year athletic training services contract with CPTE and a special education contract for an ASL interpreter. Additionally, the committee reviewed financial and transfer reports for January and February, noting budget expenditures to date. There was also a discussion regarding the need to issue RFPs for special education programs to improve cost-effectiveness, alongside plans for future discussions on capital improvements and deferred maintenance.

The Budget Committee meeting involved the presentation of an executive summary of the FY27 Budget Recommendation. Key discussion points included the district's vision, demographics impacting FTEs, class sizes, and languages spoken. The administration emphasized support for growing ELL and special education populations. The proposed budget increase, noted as 6%, detailed allocations for transportation, staffing services, educational assistance, IT infrastructure, and Plant Operations. Long-term planning for technology and outdoor classrooms was suggested. Discussions addressed budget cuts, prioritizing elementary schools (CSI and ATSI), rethinking high school staffing, and prioritizing teachers over technology. Concerns were raised regarding efficiency measures and the potential for future school closures or layoffs due to rising costs and declining enrollment. Advocacy for increased state funding was also highlighted. A motion was passed to recommend approval of the fiscal year 2027 School District budget, totaling $144,481,666 (without benefits), to the Board of Alderman.

The agenda for this session, scheduled as a Budget Meeting, includes an overview of the Fiscal Year 2027 (FY2027) budget. The committee also outlined several potential topics for a nonpublic session under RSA 91-A, which cover the dismissal, hiring, or compensation of public employees, matters potentially affecting an individual's reputation, and the consideration of pending or threatened litigation. Procedures for retaining and disclosing minutes from any nonpublic session were also noted.

The public hearing focused primarily on the Nashua School District FY27 Budget. Key discussions included rising special education costs, challenges in hiring special education teachers, and demands of the role, with suggestions for local and state-level solutions to improve job appeal and adjust standards. Participants urged the board to support the superintendent's recommended budget, noting the 6% increase is driven by special education costs and other uncontrollable factors, not salaries. Concerns were raised regarding the new high school schedule, requiring policy changes such as lower class sizes, more time for curriculum realignment, and a structured study hall policy. Other topics included the need for better attendance policies, efficient resource allocation, the potential closure of New Searles Elementary School, and the funding status of 192 open positions in the 2027 budget.

The special board meeting addressed two primary agenda items. First, the Board recommended approval of the Fiscal Year 2027 School District budget, totaling $144,481,666 without benefits, to the Board of Alderman, noting it represents a 6% increase from the previous fiscal year. Second, the Board revisited the open enrollment proposal following new state legislation. After discussion concerning financial constraints and enrollment limitations, the Board voted to designate Nashua High School North and Nashua High School South as open enrollment schools. The final approved limitation allows all resident students to attend, admits nonresident students up to 0.2% (20 students) of the total enrollment, and limits resident students attending schools outside the district to 0.05% (5 students).