KEENE, N.H. (MyKeeneNow) The Keene School District unveiled its proposed $79.1 million budget for the 2025-26 school year during a public hearing Tuesday, sparking discussion about funding priorities and tax impacts.

Finance Committee Chair Jaclyn Headings outlined the $2.9 million increase over last year’s budget, attributing much of the rise to salary obligations, health insurance costs, and transportation expenses. These increases stem from previously approved contracts and rising operational costs, according to Headings.

Special Education funding is set to grow by 3.5 percent, but attendees voiced concerns about maintaining adequate staffing levels. Several speakers urged the board to protect positions for special education teachers and paraprofessionals to ensure manageable caseloads.

If approved as proposed, the budget would result in a property tax increase of approximately $1.09 per $1,000 of assessed value, translating to a 6.5 percent rise. However, if voters reject the proposal, a default budget of $77.5 million would take effect.

The deliberative session on Feb. 1 at Keene High School will allow residents to suggest amendments before the budget heads to the March ballot for a final vote.

Beyond the budget, four school board seats will also be decided this spring, including one for a two-year term and three for three-year terms.