[0:16] Good evening and welcome to this special meeting of the Brunswick School Board. It is Thursday, May 7th,

[0:24] 2026, please rise for the Pledge of Allegiance.

[0:39] Thank you all

[0:46] for being here tonight.

[0:50] We have a relatively short meeting and I will start by calling the roll, Mr. Thompson.

[1:04] Mr. Paterson is a way of athletic event, so is Mrs. Smith, Ms. Harrison.

[1:09] Here.

[1:10] Ms. Carly Harris.

[1:11] Here.

[1:12] Ms. Kettner.

[1:13] Here.

[1:14] Ms. Densky is also out of state.

[1:17] Both board members who are absent prepare the statement for us for this evening, because they were sorry they couldn't make it.

[1:23] Are there any adjustments to the agenda?

[1:26] No.

[1:28] With that, we'll move to public comment.

[1:30] Is there anyone here who would like to address the board this evening?

[1:33] Please state your time of residence and share your comments.

[1:38] Thank you.

[1:39] Jim Trudez, 1.29, Main Street Department 208.

[1:44] We're bringing a couple of things to your attention that's been brought to my attention.

[1:49] A few weeks ago, we probably all know about a lawsuit that took place in Thalmouth about the

[1:55] It was brought to my attention by several parents of students at Heritage Beach at Stowe Elementary School.

[2:03] Once that information became public, the school district had to run around and buy 12 flags to put into classrooms.

[2:15] Why don't we have flags in our classrooms so the kids that want to pledge allegiance to the flags could do that?

[2:23] How many more flags do we have to buy for all the other schools that didn't have flags in the classroom?

[2:28] How much money did that cost the school district?

[2:32] Two, we know for the last two and a half to three years,

[2:40] we spent a lot of money defending to hire enough the athletic director.

[2:45] It was in the Human Rights Commission's hands for over two and a half years.

[2:50] how much of that cost? What was the result?

[2:57] Nobody wants to tell us. We have a right to know,

[3:03] okay?

[3:04] It's been decided for at least three months that I know of. I actually contacted a human rights commission.

[3:12] And they gave me the information they could tell me, which was a decision had been handed down, and a direction was handed down.

[3:21] No one knows in the town, nobody knows in the town how many thousands of dollars it went

[3:28] to defend the school board in 2023 voting on a flat directive position in that room

[3:35] in executive session when the superintendent stopped the vote the first time and told

[3:40] the school board how in winter vote and who to vote for.

[3:44] I can prove that.

[3:46] Let's talk about your budget tonight.

[3:48] I find the very odd, the biggest vote that you have as a school board, and the biggest

[3:54] vote that the town council has next Monday night has to be done at a special meeting,

[4:00] non-meeting nights, so anybody that wants to follow the school board knows what night

[4:06] you normally meet.

[4:07] But let's talk about it.

[4:10] You can remember this budget is in front of you tonight on a very slim five four vote by

[4:16] the budget town council.

[4:19] One flip between now and Monday night, you don't have a budget.

[4:25] Think about that. Think about the fact that the last ten years

[4:28] that taxes in this town had gone up, roughly about 60%. It's been average in 6%.

[4:35] There's been some seven eights. We had a couple fours. We had a three. So let's call it 50%

[4:40] ten years. The student population in your schools has

[4:44] and stayed the same as quoted by the superintendent

[4:48] at one of the early budget meetings for the town council.

[4:52] But your administrative cost has gone up 25, 30, 40%.

[4:57] So here's a couple of cuts that I know you can make.

[5:01] Why do we need a dean of student support and engagement

[5:05] for a $122,000 plus?

[5:10] Why do we need a chief academic officer?

[5:13] So what are we dealing with the NCAA?

[5:16] We're going to worry about it, we're eligible.

[5:18] That's $148,000.

[5:23] We have two special ed directors, one 128 plus 1,000 and

[5:32] assistant 110,000 plus.

[5:35] Why?

[5:38] The student population has gone up.

[5:41] And a lot of these were brought in with COVID relief money.

[5:45] And let's talk about, if you don't mind wrapping up your comments.

[5:52] Okay, quickly.

[5:54] Do you have to ask the high school, $118,000, $20,000 increase in three years.

[6:01] But she only works part time.

[6:02] We have to spend $70, $75 to find somebody to go to games that she doesn't want to go to.

[6:10] She goes on vacation to her school year.

[6:13] She shows up to school 10, 11, 11, 30 in the morning.

[6:18] You need to remember, five, four vote.

[6:21] You need to do better for the taxpayers of the town, because our kids are scores are down.

[6:32] We're not at the top like we used to be.

[6:34] The only thing that's gone up since he's been here is our taxes and our performance of kids have gone down.

[6:39] Thank you very much.

[6:41] Thank you for that comments.

[6:43] Is there anything in particular you like to address now?

[6:45] Now we typically are unable to respond directly.

[6:48] I just want to let you know there's some things that we would like to address in what you said that we're just actually incorrect.

[6:55] And so we can post some information on our budget page.

[6:59] And also I would just like to say that we don't vote in executive session.

[7:03] All votes are taken out here in the boardroom.

[7:06] Thank you for coming tonight.

[7:14] That brings us to tonight's budget discussion.

[7:17] And I will just say that we have scheduled special meetings like this one, in order for us to be able to respond to the council's meeting.

[7:29] In November, we set all of our meetings for the year and we moved this one, it's not our regular May board meeting, which is next week on Wednesday.

[7:39] We had to schedule this one on a Thursday because of a conflict and we had moved it back in November and

[7:45] posted that date on the website, so I realize that it's not, it is challenging when they're not falling on our regular meeting time and we do try to avoid that.

[7:55] So with that, I will move to item D, which is our budget discussion.

[8:02] All right, thank you, Larry.

[8:03] I'll put up our presentation.

[8:05] Don's going to go over our abbreviated slide deck, talking about, we've talked about this before, but

[8:14] recommendation regarding the bridge funds that we received from the Department of Education

[8:19] and how much that impacts our overall budget, I'm going to take a call.

[8:26] Yeah, so tonight we're going to be doing a amendment to the budget that we've adopted

[8:32] back in April.

[8:33] If you could go to the next slide and get this one perfect.

[8:37] So this has not changed, this is the school board's approved budget, the expenditure side has

[8:42] not changed.

[8:42] It's still the $61 million, $188,127, at a 6.03% increase.

[8:49] Next slide, please.

[8:51] This is the change that the superintendent is recommending tonight for an amended budget.

[8:56] We did receive information from the Department of Education that the one year bridge funding,

[9:02] which is due to the change in the EV279 funding formula that will happen for 2728.

[9:09] They're calling it the bridge funding to hopefully get districts that help that gap in between this year and next.

[9:18] And it's based on our socioeconomic status number of students.

[9:22] And so we're going to be receiving an additional revenue of $123,240.

[9:27] So the superintendent and I are recommending that we utilize that funding to reduce the overall tax assessment to originally of 2.89.

[9:36] and now it would be down to 2.70.

[9:41] Next slide please.

[9:43] So on Monday night, when we have the town council,

[9:46] I will be reading the warrants that will talk about all the revenue that we've looked at for appropriation for

[9:54] general purpose aid, as well as those warrant articles that you saw before for the expenditures.

[10:00] But last year, we created, we established, we funded, and we requested expenditures out of two reserves funds.

[10:12] One is for the school capital reserve, capital improvement projects, and

[10:18] one is for the school bus garage.

[10:20] And last year, we again established, funded, and

[10:24] And requested expenditure for the school capital reserve at a million dollars and the bus garage at two million dollars.

[10:31] And we have funded that by transferring undissingated fund balance.

[10:36] So our books and June 30th, but it takes several months to actually close those books.

[10:43] And once the auditors have come through, we'll have an understanding of where we have landed as of June 30.

[10:48] and then we brought information to the board and the board transferred $1 million for the school improvement and $2 million for the bus garage.

[11:00] So also the commitment last year was to continue to replenish that school improvement fund.

[11:07] So if you remember we funded it with $1 million, but last year's budget we had reduced $514,000 in projects out of the local budget.

[11:15] But knowing we were going to spend that out of that capital reserve.

[11:19] So that fund has a little over $400,000 remaining in it, and

[11:24] the plan was to continuously look at our fund balance and replenish that as possible.

[11:31] And so these Warren articles are written if you'll notice it says up to transfer an up to amount.

[11:37] So it's not a set amount, there's a maximum, but

[11:41] But it will allow us to really look at our end of year expenditures once we are closer

[11:46] to the audit and the audit is finished to have a better idea of how much money we would

[11:52] transfer, which then would support us for future undesignated fund balance reserves.

[11:58] And though we did not talk about replenishing the bus garage, right, the bus garage needs

[12:04] the completion.

[12:04] So we are in the architectural phase design phase right now.

[12:09] And so we're hoping by fall, by the time the audit has been full swing,

[12:13] we'll have a better idea of the cost of that garage.

[12:16] And so if there's not enough funds in that bus garage reserve fund,

[12:23] then we could utilize some of our undesignated fund balance to increase that amount,

[12:30] so we would have enough to complete that project.

[12:32] And so the bus garage actually has three statements in it.

[12:36] We would transfer up to 500,000.

[12:39] We would follow town charter to expand out of that, and then once it's completed, if there were any funds left, we would transfer into the capital reserve, and that bus, that bus garage fund will be dissolved.

[12:52] So these worn articles do need to go to the town council for approval, and I anticipate that the school capital reserve fund will be an article that we have every year.

[13:03] It's a transparency measure to ensure that both taxpayers and the council know that we have the discretion to continuously

[13:10] spend as needed out of that reserve for those reserve needs.

[13:15] I am not saying standing up here saying that we're going to have a million dollars to transfer, right?

[13:19] We all know that this budget season has been a struggle.

[13:24] Those numbers are again a maximum and that gives us some flexibility based on where we land the year, especially with that bus garage,

[13:30] not knowing exactly how much that project is going to cost until probably fall.

[13:36] So we will see those on the Warren articles as long as it are adopted, approved tonight,

[13:41] for the town council to approve on Monday night, along with all the other articles.

[13:49] Thank you.

[13:49] Are there any questions from the board about either of these items?

[13:54] Billy?

[13:55] What happens if the council does not approve them as Warren articles?

[14:00] Then the money would sit there.

[14:03] We did get legal, we talked to legal about whether or not we would need to have that permission

[14:11] to expend every year and because we did not say only expend for a year, they believe that

[14:16] we would be able to expend in perpetuity, that there is no limit to spending that, but

[14:20] that districts that I've worked in and districts that are used to, it's a natural progression

[14:25] to bring it to their body, their elective body each year, whether it's the taxpayer or town council to just for transparency sake to make sure that they understand that we're going to be expending for those purposes.

[14:40] Yeah.

[14:44] Any other questions for Don?

[14:50] Thank you.

[14:52] That will then bring us to new business and consideration of our FOA 27.

[15:00] And budget adoption. So with the council's directive to reduce the 123,000 in bridge funds received from the state legislature, being the only change from our proposed budget, the figures that Dawn shared would not change any of the expenditures that we had already sent to the council.

[15:30] I will just make a note that in the council discussion, one of the councillors who was formerly a school board member, raised the point that typically if a specific reduction were tied to a specific item in the budget, it would be equate to advising the board to make a reduction of a certain item, which is what would be telling the board how to spend its budget.

[15:57] the council voted for this reduction, and I had to despite that point that was made, I just wanted to raise it here, I think it is slightly different in this case only because it's a new source of revenue from the state, rather than an item in the budget that we would be reducing in this case, but I just wanted to share that in case anybody had a question about it.

[16:26] Does anybody have any question or comments before we put a motion on the table about

[16:31] process or anything else?

[16:39] Is anyone who would like to make a motion, otherwise I'm happy to do it?

[16:44] Go ahead, Selena.

[16:45] Actually, I don't have the right to write it, but I'm writing it from the 10th.

[16:49] Okay.

[16:50] Is there a motion to adopt the proposed superintendents budget as presented tonight, May 7th,

[16:58] Moved by Ms. Harrison, seconded by Ms. Carly Harris, any discussion?

[17:09] Go ahead, Billy.

[17:11] I will vote for the budget at 2.7%, I think, that's due diligence on our side.

[17:21] I do think the overall tax increase is problematic for the town, but that's a town council thing.

[17:26] But I think putting together a 2%, 2.7%, that's a good effort on our part, I think.

[17:37] So I would overall like to see a last touch burden.

[17:41] But I'm not a town councilor, so.

[17:44] Thanks, Billy.

[17:45] I guess I'll just say, for those of you who weren't able to make it on Monday, it was certainly a lively conversation.

[17:54] And as the member of the community who spoke in public comment noted, it is the split vote of the council.

[18:01] It's a slim majority, five, four.

[18:04] Those who spoke in favor of the school budget recognize the fact that as we've shared previously to the council,

[18:11] Although we worked really hard, our staff and administration worked really hard to make careful choices about the budget knowing that the communities in this place, I strongly support that work that we did and I felt like we did all we could keep it as low as possible and in fact I'm still concerned about some of the reductions we did make.

[18:34] So I'm grateful to have that level of support at the council level, and I personally support it.

[18:41] And I just, I don't know if anyone else wants to share anything.

[18:44] I'm going to share the statement that our board member, Stan Ski, shared with us to read tonight.

[19:06] So Mr. Stan Ski writes, while I can't be in person with you tonight, because of required evening work obligation,

[19:11] I write to express my unwavering support for the proposed Brunswick School budget.

[19:15] This budget represents a long involved process with careful consideration of the needs of our student staff and community.

[19:22] I understand that some citizens of this town are struggling, and I recognize the impulse to question and tax increase.

[19:28] That said, Brunswick has been and will continue to be a town where people come to raise their children, invest in education, share in community values,

[19:37] and materially demonstrate the belief that we have to invest in what we want, a flourishing vibrant school system

[19:43] that produces flourishing, vibrant, contributing members of our town.

[19:47] The idea that a school should be run as a business, as a common refrain noted in recent public forums.

[19:53] A school is not a business, a school is a school.

[19:56] Sure, some economic principles are shared, but they are categorically different entities.

[20:01] And the reality is that the headwinds facing a school system in this country in 2026 are strong and varied.

[20:07] Equally underfunded state allocations, rising costs of everything driven by unprecedented chaos in damage at the federal level.

[20:16] Increasingly complex student populations, it's a miracle that we have accomplished what we have.

[20:20] The incremental increase needed to deliver what this district requires for this upcoming year is shockingly low when considering the true variables that play.

[20:29] I urged the council and the board to adopt the budget as it stands and refute any objection against it.

[20:34] Those are statements, as I said, from Katie Stanski, and Sarah Singer, though she wasn't

[20:40] able to be here tonight, did also express a strong support for the budget.

[20:47] And I'll just say, again, I've shared numerous budget meetings throughout this process, just

[20:53] acknowledgement of the amount of work that went into the process and a gratitude for all

[20:59] All those in the community who have spoken out in support of the budget and our staff who have come to these meetings after a long day of work and

[21:08] spoken in support of the budget and also at other public events, such as the Alhtom being concert last night.

[21:15] There are some remarks made in support of the schools, which I really appreciate it.

[21:20] So thank you to all of those and if there aren't any further comments, then I'll call the roll on the motion.

[21:30] Mr. Thompson?

[21:32] Yes.

[21:32] Mr. Kloff?

[21:34] Yes.

[21:35] Mr. Ross?

[21:36] Yes.

[21:37] Mr. Harrison?

[21:38] Yes.

[21:38] Ms. Carly Harris?

[21:39] Yes.

[21:40] Ms. Ketner?

[21:41] Yes.

[21:42] And Ms. Bissen is a yes.

[21:43] That is unanimous of those members present.

[21:48] That brings us to the second and third items.

[21:53] Is there a motion to authorize the school administration?

[21:58] There isn't motion language here, so I'm making it up and you can correct me if I'm to transfer up to $500,000 from available fund balances to the capital improvement reserve fund, and to expand from said reserve fund in the school committee's discretion.

[22:16] So moved.

[22:17] Moved by Mr. Bosch.

[22:19] Seconded by Ms. Harrison.

[22:21] Any discussion?

[22:24] I will call the roll, Mr. Thompson.

[22:25] Yes.

[22:27] Ms. Sokoloff.

[22:28] Yes.

[22:28] Mr. Walsh.

[22:29] Yes.

[22:30] Ms. Harrison.

[22:31] Yes.

[22:32] Ms. Carly Harris.

[22:33] Yes.

[22:33] Ms. Kettner.

[22:34] Yes.

[22:35] Ms. Besson is a yes.

[22:36] That is unanimous of those present.

[22:39] The second item for the bus garage capital reserve fund, as our friend's director, Blanchard, has

[22:49] as shared will be used for the contingency should the fund, the actual cost of the garage in order to complete it, exceed what is currently, but those funds would not be expended otherwise, I just wanted to remind everyone of that in case folks are watching.

[23:07] Is there a motion for the school board to approve this school department superintendent to authorize one transfer of up to $500,000 from available reserve funds to the bus garage reserve fund to expend from said reserve fund to accomplish the project and three when the project is complete transfer any funds remaining in said reserve fund to the school capital reserve fund and dissolve said reserve fund.

[23:39] Moved by Ms. Carly Harris, seconded by Ms. Harrison, any discussion?

[23:45] Seeing none, I will call the roll, Mr. Thompson.

[23:48] Yes.

[23:49] Ms. Sokoloff?

[23:50] Yes.

[23:50] Mr. Walsh?

[23:51] Yes.

[23:52] Ms. Harrison?

[23:53] Yes.

[23:53] Carly Harris?

[23:54] Yes.

[23:55] Ms. Kettner?

[23:56] Yes.

[23:57] And Chair Bison is a yes, that is unanimous of those present.

[24:05] That concludes our business this evening, and I would look for a motion to adjourn.

[24:10] moved by Mr. Thompson, seconded by Ms. Harrison, all those in favor.

[24:17] That is unanimous of those present.

[24:19] Thank you very much and have a good evening.

Special School Board Meeting - Budget Workshop 5-7-26

Transcript