School Committee announces $59 million budget request

For the upcoming fiscal year, the Dartmouth School Committee is proposing a $59,277,916 budget, with the majority of funds focused on instruction costs.

Instruction costs encompass around 80% of the request and includes the costs of staff positions, raises and creating new positions to better support students and would equal $43,628,479 if the budget is approved.

There are 15.5 new proposed roles that would support the rise in high needs students. Of these positions, three aren't being included in the proposed budget.

The proposed budget is based on information gathered from faculty, staff and parents and what they feel is necessary for the district. 

“This budget reflects those voices and responds directly to what our community has asked of us, particularly in the areas of student support,” said Superintendent June Saba-Maguire. 

With less than 3,300 students enrolled in the district, the school is spending about $3,800 less per student than the state average. This cost includes teacher salaries, insurances and benefits, administration, operations, maintenance and pupil services.  

Part of this budget plan includes becoming less reliant on school choice funds by increasing the operating budget gradually.

“This budget is being presented during a time of significant financial pressure, not only for the school district but across the town,” Saba-Maguire said. “In this environment, every decision we make is a thoughtful balance between need, impact, and sustainability.”

Community members attended a School Committee meeting on Monday, Feb. 9 to voice their support for the School Committee in requesting the budget they need. 

“When the majority of the town budget goes to education, something we need to begin to elevate and discuss as a town more, but that’s only going to happen if [the School Committee] puts forward a budget that the school needs … and to push that with the town and the Select Board,” said Town Meeting member Peter Nolton.