Budget: The proposed operating budget is $13.65 million, up $228,000 or 1.7 percent from the current budget. Major increases can be found in the special education budget, slated to go up $222,000 or more than 10 percent; regular instruction programs, up $122,000 or about 2 percent; and a new debt service payment of $108,471.
If the budget and all warrant articles are approved, the district’s tax rate will go up in Henniker from $6.86 to $7.55 per $1,000 of assessed value, raising the tax bill on a $200,000 home by $138, and in Weare from $6.55 to $7.19, raising a tax bill on a $200,000 home by $128.
Noteworthy articles: The town will be asked to approve a new three-year contract for the school support staff, which covers slightly more than 39 full-time positions. It would cost an extra $70,647 in the first year.
Contested races: A pair of three-year seats on the school board, one from Henniker and one from Weare, are up for election as is a one-year district moderator seat.
When and where: The deliberative session will be held at 8 p.m. on Friday. Ballot voting will take place between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. on March 12, at the Henniker Community School, 51 Western Ave., and Weare Middle School, 16 East Road.