CHESTER — Voters will be asked to consider and approve an $11,052,888 operating budget for next year at the annual school district meeting on March 19.
The meeting begins at 7 p.m. in the multipurpose room at the town office complex.
The proposed 2008-2009 budget shows a 5 percent increase from last year's numbers, according to school officials, but is still considered reasonable. Increases are due mostly to rising tuition costs at Pinkerton Academy and an increase in the number of Chester students entering their freshman year next fall. Chester students, along with Derry and Hampstead, attend Pinkerton for high school.
In addition to the regular budget, voters will consider warrant articles including an appropriation up to $25,000 to be placed in the School Buildings Maintenance Fund, and another $25,000 to establish a new capital reserve fund to educate "educationally disabled children."
Another article calls for a $21,822 increase in salaries and benefits for Chester's paraprofessional staff.
A citizen petition on the school warrant calls for voters to consider, for information purposes only, a change to the Senate Bill 2 format of voting.
Following the school district business this week, Chester voters will then head toward Town Meeting and elections in May.
On May 13, voters will head to the polls to cast ballots for town and school district officials. School positions up for election include three school board seats, school district clerk, treasurer, and moderator. The following night, May 14, at 7 p.m., the annual Town Meeting will be held at the multipurpose room where voters will consider the town budget, warrant articles and other business.
Filing period in Chester begins on March 26 and runs through April 4. Anyone interested in the open school district positions can contact Robert Grimm at 887-8292. For open town positions, contact Town Clerk Barbara Gagnon at the Town Hall at 887-3636.
