On Feb. 7, Weare voters are invited to attend the school district deliberative session to learn about the proposed 2017-18 school budget. School and district administrators worked closely with the school board to craft a budget that is fiscally responsible, meeting contractual obligations and supporting a quality education for our children.
The proposed budget amount represents a 3 percent increase over last year’s operating budget. This is primarily driven by costs associated with the collective bargaining agreements that were approved by the voters last year, increases in health insurance costs, required state retirement contributions and other contractual obligations.
Increases in transportation and utility costs are also reflected in the budget.
In an effort to minimize the impact of mandated budget drivers, administrators actively searched for savings and efficiencies. These efforts resulted in a difference between the proposed and default budget of $15,121.
Please join us on Feb. 7 to share your questions and comments.
MARJORIE A. BURKE
Weare
(The writer is chairwoman of the Weare School District Board. The letter was also singed by Donny Guillemette, vice chairman, and members Wendy Curry, Lisa Johnson and Susan Morin.)