KEENE, N.H. (MyKeeneNow) Keene School District officials recently appeared on WKBK Radio’s “Good Morning with Dan Mitchell” to discuss the proposed school budget for fiscal year 2026.

Tim Ruehr, chief financial officer of SAU 29, and George Downing, chair of the Keene School Board, outlined the key components of the $79,100,705 budget, which represents a 3 percent increase from the previous year.

Among the notable aspects of the budget is a 3.5 percent increase in the general special education fund. This rise comes despite a reduction in overall special education staffing, a decision influenced by shifting student needs and budget constraints. Rising operational costs, including a 15 percent increase in transportation expenses, are also key challenges facing the district.

In addition to managing financial pressures, the district is working to address staffing shortages, particularly in trade and nursing programs. The budget prioritizes investments in staff training and facility improvements.

Voters will have the final say on the budget and nine related warrant articles at next Tuesday’s town meeting. The articles include negotiated contracts for school staff and agreements under the Authorized Regional Educational Agreement (AREA), which enables students from surrounding towns to attend Keene schools.

The Keene Board of Education follows the SB2 process, meaning the budget and other warrant articles will be decided by official ballot voting. Unlike town elections, voting for school district matters will take place at the Keene Recreation Department.

During the radio discussion, Downing emphasized the strong community support for education in Keene and the district’s commitment to a zero-based budgeting approach. Ruehr highlighted the district’s strategy of budgeting based on known expenses rather than contingencies, particularly in special education funding, which remains a complex and unpredictable component of the budget.

Declining enrollment, especially at the middle school level, has also played a role in staffing adjustments. The district aims to keep students in their home schools whenever possible while managing transportation and staffing costs efficiently.

Several key contracts are up for voter approval, including agreements with the Keene Association of Principals and Supervisors and the district’s paraprofessionals, both of which include salary increases over multiple years. Additionally, Article Six proposes raising funds for the maintenance trust fund to ensure financial stability for emergency repairs and upkeep.

The AREA agreements, which span 20 years, were also a topic of discussion. Downing noted that the renegotiation process has been smooth, with no significant dissatisfaction from participating towns. These agreements solidify partnerships with neighboring communities and ensure a consistent student population for Keene schools.

As the election approaches, Keene residents will also vote on school board positions, with three-year terms unopposed and one contested race for a two-year term. The discussion concluded with a reminder for voters to participate in the upcoming decision-making process.

Listen to the full interview: