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STODDARD, N.H. (MyKeeneNow) Residents of the Stoddard School District approved a $3.86 million operating budget during the district’s annual meeting on March 19, following weeks of discussion over rising education costs and declining enrollment.
More than 100 voters attended the meeting, which required a standing vote to determine the outcome. The approved $3,858,194 budget represents an increase over the previous year and is expected to raise the local tax rate.
Much of the debate leading up to the vote centered on increased spending for special education and ongoing enrollment declines at James Faulkner Elementary School.
In addition to passing the budget, voters approved an article to designate James Faulkner Elementary School as an open enrollment school for grades K–5. The measure allows a limited number of non-resident students—up to 5 percent of total enrollment—to attend the school. However, the same article prohibits Stoddard students from enrolling in schools outside the district under open enrollment.
Voters also approved an article setting salaries and compensation for school district officials as outlined in the budget.
A separate proposal to repurpose an existing school construction trust fund to cover special education costs failed to reach the required two-thirds majority, despite receiving a simple majority of support. The article received 63 votes in favor and 45 opposed.
In district elections held by ballot, Amanda Dastoli was elected to a one-year term on the School Board, while Christine Haase won a three-year seat. Heather Logan was elected School District Clerk, and Terri LaRoche was chosen as Treasurer, all for one-year terms.
The decisions come as the district continues to balance financial pressures with efforts to maintain programming at its elementary school.