Wednesday’s Auburn School Committee meeting was the first of several over the next couple of weeks to review the proposed school budget for the 2026-27 fiscal year that begins July 1.

Superintendent Susan Dorris presented a general overview of the $67.69 million spending plan to the committee.

It is just under 5% higher than this year’s budget. If approved as is, the city would be responsible for $21.5 million, a 3.4% increase.

THE BUDGET’S MAIN AREAS OF INCREASE

Dorris cited three main factors for the budget increases: higher costs for special education, transportation and employee health insurance. 

• Special education is increasing $1.4 million, or 9.4%.
• Transportation is increasing $553,528, or 22%.
• Health insurance is expected to increase $885,000, or 12%. 

The school district — like others across the state — put an estimated placeholder until final health insurance numbers are revealed by agencies within the next month.

School officials made a few requests: The principal of East Auburn Community School asked for new classroom furniture. The district had some furniture already; $35,000 is being requested to buy remaining pieces. Fairview Elementary School’s principal asked for a new photocopier and Park Avenue Elementary School’s principal asked for new cafeteria tables. 

COST CONTROL STRATEGIES

To ensure the budget had minimal increases, Dorris said the focus is to preserve the core instructional programs and services. 

As a result, three noninstructional positions were eliminated, as was the suspension and diversion program, which helps students with career pathways and literary instruction.

On the transportation side of the budget, officials are using a special BusRight app to ensure bus routes are as efficient as possible and are delaying buying a new bus.

REVENUE OVERVIEW 

There are three main sources of revenue. Projected for 2026-27 are:

• The state subsidy will increase 8.2% to $34.7 million.
• The city’s contribution will increase 3.4% to $21.5 million.
• The fund balance will increase 16% to $2.35 million.

The committee is scheduled to meet next week to continue reviewing the budget.