Unlike other school districts around the state that are losing enrollment, Dunbarton is adding students.

“This is a growing community and in many ways, a sought-after community,” Superintendent Marcy Kelley said at Saturday’s school district annual meeting. “I’d like to think one of those reasons is the schools.”

Since 2016, the district has grown by about 20%, going from 406 students to 487. An additional 18 students arrived last year alone.

Increasing the student population means increases in spending. The proposed $10.2 million budget for next year is 6.5% more than the current year. 

The major increases were due to contractual raises ($123,000), growing health insurance costs ($129,000), and rising tuition to send students to Bow Memorial and Bow High School ($112,000).

But thanks in part to the numerical prowess of outgoing school board member Jeff Trexler, the tax impact of the budget was trimmed to $1.11, or $333 a year for a home worth $300,000.

Residents questioned the difference the state contributes to an adequate education, compared to what it actually costs. 

Dunbarton voters had just two items to decide – the budget and adding $44,000 to a school building fund. Both passed by a show of hands holding up green voting cards.

At the end of the meeting, Trexler was thanked for his 17 years of service to the board. Elementary school teachers gave Trexler and his wife two folding rocking chairs to use when they go camping.

Hailed as a man who leads by example and donated countless hours and services to the district and its children, Trexler was given a standing ovation.