LANGDON, N.H. (MyKeeneNow) A proposed budget for the Fall Mountain Regional School District would eliminate 20 positions across the district, a central feature of a spending plan that school officials say is designed to hold down taxes while adjusting to lower enrollment and rising costs.

The proposed fiscal year 2027 operating budget totals about $37.54 million and will be reviewed by voters at the district’s deliberative session on Feb. 2. While the overall operating budget shows only a minimal year-over-year increase, district leaders say the plan reflects significant internal reductions, including the permanent removal of the superintendent position and several instructional and support roles.

Residents from Acworth, Alstead, Charlestown, Langdon and Walpole will be able to amend the budget and other warrant articles at the deliberative session before final votes are cast in March.

Staffing reductions account for the most visible changes in the budget. In addition to eliminating the superintendent role, the plan removes approximately six teaching positions and a mix of other staff jobs across the district. Spending for the Office of the Superintendent drops by nearly 26 percent under the proposal, reflecting the district’s shift to a shared leadership model in which administrative duties are divided among existing administrators.

Despite the staffing cuts, instructional spending remains largely level at just under $22 million. Regular classroom instruction rises slightly, while special education costs increase by more than $600,000, driven by service needs. Other instructional areas, including vocational education, English as a Second Language services and related instructional supports, are reduced.

Support services spending is proposed at about $13.3 million, an increase of less than half a percent. Technology remains one of the fastest-growing areas, climbing more than 10 percent, while transportation and building operations see smaller increases. Several support categories, such as student appraisal services and health services, are reduced significantly compared to the current year.

Looking at spending by location, most towns and schools see flat or declining budgets. Acworth, Alstead, Charlestown and Walpole all show decreases, while Langdon posts a modest increase. High school spending is essentially unchanged from the current year.

When building projects and transfers to capital reserve funds are included — both addressed in separate warrant articles — the district’s total budget proposal declines by roughly $550,000, or about 1.4 percent, from the prior year.

Voters will also consider a series of non-budget articles, including capital improvement projects, a proposed teachers’ collective bargaining agreement, open enrollment policy, and previously approved withdrawal petitions from Langdon and Walpole.

District officials have said declining enrollment continues to shape financial decisions, reducing state aid and forcing cost controls at the local level. The elimination of 20 positions, they said, is a key component of keeping the budget in check.

The deliberative session is scheduled for Monday, Feb. 2, at 6:30 p.m. at Fall Mountain Regional High School in Langdon. Additional information on the proposed budget and warrant articles is available on the district’s website.