DERRY — It took less than an hour for approximately 100 residents to hear details of the school district's proposed $79 million budget.
The annual meeting Saturday was a quick one and, like in past years, the business of the day finished quickly with little discussion.
Derry's school warrant includes a budget of $79,062,937 for the 2012-2013 school year, which includes food service and other federal programs, both self-funded.
The budget is up 1.1 percent from the current year.
The numbers show increases and decreases in different areas.
Budget increases included a 3.9 percent increase in health insurance and an increase in the local cost for teacher retirement benefits, up from 9.07 percent to 11.30 percent.
Decreases include a $50,000 savings in electricity for the district and a decrease in out -of-district tuition rates, down $315,000. Derry will send 65 fewer students to Pinkerton Academy next year.
The high school's budget is set at $35,433,495, an increase of 1.52 percent over the current budget.
Tuition for regular education students next year will be $10,015.79. That's 3.12 percent over the current rate, an increase of $303.41 per student.
The district also negotiated a new five-year transportation contract with bus provider First Student, saving the district $26,380.
A new three-year contract with the Derry Education Association was approved earlier this year and will be on the March school ballot.
"This is a fair and reasonable contract," School Board member Neal Ochs said.
DEA President Meg Morse-Barry said she is not only a district teacher, but also a parent and Derry taxpayer.
"We worked very hard on this contract and worked long hours," she said. "A good education in Derry, that's what makes the community. It takes a good teacher to do that."
An article on the ballot March 13 also asks Derry voters to consider a charter high school in town.
The school would accommodate about 30 students to start and would be located in the former Derry Early Education Program spaced at Gilbert H. Hood Middle School.
An approval by voters in March would only be a show of support, school officials said. The state has the final approval for the charter school plan.
"I think it's a good idea," resident Tom Cardon said. "There is definitely a need for that small portion of students that struggle."
Before the meeting ended, school officials thanked School Board member Mark Beland for his service to the district.
Beland said he would not seek another term on the board.
Officials also honored Superintendent Mary Ellen Hannon, who is also leaving her post at the end of this school year.
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