Zachary Champion

The meeting commenced with a roll call followed by procedures for public comment timing. Key discussion items focused on the approval of the minutes from the May 1st meeting, which were subsequently approved. The main topic involved a detailed discussion of the current SAU budget and the projected pro forma budget for the 2019-2020 fiscal year, necessary for the withdrawal planning process. Specific attention was given to line-by-line analysis of budget classifications, shared services, vendor contracts, and salary deviations. A significant portion of the discussion addressed the potential financial and administrative structure of a standalone Timberlane SAU, including questions regarding audit requirements and cost allocations for services like health insurance.

The meeting commenced with roll call and a pledge of allegiance. Key discussions involved the approval of previous meeting minutes, specifically those from the December 4th, 2025 school board meeting. A presentation was given by a French teacher and students regarding their educational trip to Montreal, emphasizing authentic exposure to French language and culture, including ordering food and navigating using French signage and the metro system. The board also addressed follow-up questions regarding the latest NASDAQ report, specifically concerning the methodology used and enrollment projections for future years, noting that enrollment appears relatively flat in the short term. Furthermore, the board considered requests for overnight travel, including approval for a biennial cultural exchange trip to Germany and central Austria scheduled for June and July 2026. The board also discussed revisions to the TRHS Program of Studies for upcoming classes.

The primary discussion revolved around the presentation of state and district building level assessment results, aligning with the fourth academic goal of the school board. The presentation detailed three years of state testing data for English Language Arts (ELA), Mathematics, and science assessment results for specified grades, alongside SAT school day results. It also included STAR scores related to the elementary action plans, covering early literacy and mathematics. A significant portion of the discussion detailed the two different state Department of Education reporting platforms used for assessing student achievement versus school/district accountability, explaining how participation rates (requiring a minimum of 95% participation) and factors like student enrollment affect accountability scores, especially for Title 1 funded schools. The meeting also briefly addressed the observance of a moment of silence for community members and troops, and the Pledge of Allegiance.

The meeting focused on continued budget discussions for 2027, following presentations from various departments and administrative feedback. Key discussions involved potential reductions to the Capital Improvement Projects (CIP) line, specifically regarding sprinkler system funding ($650,000 removal) and the feasibility of moving building envelope costs to a lease agreement. Members debated reducing the CIP line to $600,000, balancing the need for emergency/maintenance funds against budget constraints. Additionally, a proposal was raised to remove $120,000 for a new intercom system and its associated $70,000 annual subscription fee from the technology budget, with the committee classifying this expense as a 'want' rather than a 'need.' The committee reviewed the consequences of budget reductions on staff, program quality, and facilities.

This public hearing served to discuss and disclose the preliminary proposed 2026-2027 fiscal budget appropriations to the public, allowing for testimony and questions prior to finalization by the budget committee. Key discussion points included unpacking the supplemental budget package, which detailed 19 warrant articles, four of which involved collective bargaining agreements. The presentation reviewed budget drivers, showing increases in areas such as professional services, employee benefits, and salary, offset by decreases in capital improvements and lease payments. The proposed budget for FY2027 was presented at $87,970,069, a 7.2% increase from the FY2026 voted budget. The process leading to the current $88 million proposed budget, which involved significant reductions from an initial $92 million proposal, was detailed, including the reduction of 21 staff positions. The filing dates for candidacy for school board and budget committee seats were also announced.