DERRY — Voters at the school deliberative session Saturday will consider a proposed school budget of $80 million, a figure officials called "lean" and fiscally responsible.
The annual meeting begins at West Running Brook Middle School at 10 a.m.
The budget represents a 2.4 percent — or $1.8 million — increase over the current budget
Some of the increases are due to state mandates or contract, according to local officials. The proposal does include hikes for Pinkerton tuition, health-care costs, contractual responsibilities and other employee benefits.
Derry schools serve more than 6,100 students in grades K-8, out-of-district students, Derry Early Education Program, and those attending Pinkerton Academy. The district has more than 650 employees, including teachers, support staff, nurses, assistants, food service workers, custodians and administrators.
Key points of the proposed budget include:
Health insurance projected increase of 19.9 percent.
Pinkerton Academy tuition increased for regular education from 7.49 percent to 8.02 percent.
Elimination of 3.5 teaching positions.
Increased supplies by $23,508.
Bond payments decreased $88,007.
No new programs or curriculum proposed.
Derry school administrators will not receive any salary increases next budget year to help the district keep costs down.
Three School Board seats are up for re-election in March. Anyone interested in running must file for paperwork by the end of the day Friday at the Superintendent of School's office, 18 South Main St.
Voting on the final budget and election of school district officials takes place March 9. Voters in Districts 1 and 4 vote at Gilbert H. Hood Middle School. Those in Districts 2 and 3 cast ballots at West Running Brook Middle School. Polls open in Derry at 7 a.m.
