Newfields School Board ยท Meeting
Thursday, February 5, 2026
Decided
Bond for school safety project
Voters at the session moved Article 1 as written to the ballot. All were in favor. A second vote, also with all in favor, restricted reconsideration.
Article 1 asks voters to raise $500,000 through bonds or notes for a safety project at the school, plus $12,500 for debt payments in the 2026-2027 fiscal year. It needs a 3/5 ballot vote. A School Board member said a committee worked nine months on the plan. It would make a one-way drive, add parking in the rear, and add a 'no car' zone. It would also add a new crosswalk on Piscassic Road with a crossing light and ramp access. Estimates came from three vendors. If it passes, the project goes out to bid in mid-March, with building from mid-June to late August. As examples, a 5-year bond would add $0.20 per thousand to the tax rate ($100,000 a year) and a 20-year bond would add $0.08 per thousand ($36,000 a year). The Board may consider a 20-year bond. No one asked questions or made comments.
Operating budget for 2026-2027
Voters at the session moved Article 2 as written to the ballot. All were in favor. A second vote, also with all in favor, restricted reconsideration.
Article 2 asks voters to approve a $3,770,200 operating budget. If voters reject it, the default budget (the budget that takes effect if voters reject the proposed one) would be $3,732,963. The School Board and Budget Advisory Committee recommend $3,770,200. The cost per pupil was given as $27,661. Proficiency was given as 73% in English, 57% in math and 29% in science. A resident asked why the facilities line dropped by $36,000. The chair said $40,000 had been set aside last year for LED lights, which cost more than expected, and paving is now in the bond. A resident raised concern about the 29% science score. The principal said resources have shifted toward grades 4 and 5, including more hands-on science. A resident asked about driveway paving, and a board member said it is now covered by the bond.
Paraprofessional union contract costs
Voters at the session moved Article 3 as written to the ballot. All were in favor. A second vote, also with all in favor, restricted reconsideration.
Article 3 asks voters to approve the cost items in a contract with the Newfields Paraprofessional Association, which represents teaching aides. Estimated increases are $39,392 for 2027, $8,992 for 2028 and $17,677 for 2029. It also asks to raise $39,392 for the current fiscal year. The chair said raises are 3.5% in year one, 4.5% in year two and 4% in year three. Longevity pay and bonuses were revised, and an insurance buyout option was added for staff who decline health coverage. The School Board recommends it. No one asked questions or made comments.
Money for school building maintenance fund
Voters at the session moved Article 4 as written to the ballot. All were in favor. A second vote, also with all in favor, restricted reconsideration.
Article 4 asks voters to add up to $25,000 to the School Building Maintenance Expendable Trust Fund, set up in 1992 for repairing school buildings. The money would come from the June 30 fund balance, with nothing added from taxes. A board member said the target is $150,000 and the balance is $38,908. A resident asked if the fund would be used for an unused part of the building with environmental concerns. A board member said the fund paid for roof work, cleanup and air purification last year, that the room is in use and has been clear all year, and that they do not expect to use the fund for it.
Money for special education trust fund
Voters at the session moved Article 5 to the ballot. All were in favor. A second vote, also with all in favor, restricted reconsideration.
Article 5 asks voters to add up to $28,000 to the Special Education Expendable Trust Fund. The money would come from the June 30 fund balance, with nothing added from taxes. A board member said the fund balance is $134,817 and the goal is $275,000. The School Board recommends it. No one asked questions or made comments.
Money for technology reserve fund
Voters at the session moved Article 6 to the ballot. All were in favor. A second vote, also with all in favor, restricted reconsideration.
Article 6 asks voters to add up to $1,000 to the Technology Capital Reserve Fund. The money would come from the June 30 fund balance, with nothing added from taxes. A board member said the balance is $20,361 and the amount is lower than usual because the safety project is the priority. The School Board recommends it. There were no questions.
Money for safety and security reserve fund
Voters at the session moved Article 7 to the ballot. All were in favor. A second vote, also with all in favor, restricted reconsideration.
Article 7 asks voters to add up to $1,000 to the Safety and Security Capital Reserve Fund. The money would come from the June 30 fund balance, with nothing added from taxes. A board member said the fund is fully funded and the balance is $64,315. The School Board recommends it. There were no questions.