Current Status
The FY26 budget is projected to close with a minimal deficit of around $1,000 following a spending freeze. However, this leaves the district with virtually no fund balance, a situation some board members and citizens find concerning and irresponsible.
Overview
- On September 14, 2026, the Finance Committee reported the projected FY26 deficit had shrunk to approximately $1,000, though this leaves the district with no fund balance.
- On July 20, 2026, the Director of Finance noted that a successful spending freeze was improving the budget outlook from earlier worst-case scenarios.
- On April 13, 2026, the Director of Finance had reported a potential FY26 budget deficit of up to $1.1 million, raising significant concerns about the district's financial stability.
- On December 8, 2025, the administration implemented an immediate non-personnel spending freeze in response to a projected deficit of $1.3 to $1.9 million for the fiscal year.
- On June 3, 2025, the board approved the over $73 million budget after a contentious process that included significant staff reductions and administrative reorganization.
- On April 7, 2025, the Superintendent presented the initial $73 million budget proposal, which included a 5.98% operating increase and the elimination of roughly 20 positions to address declining enrollment and rising costs.
Perspectives
Board
- Expressed concern that closing the year with no fund balance is irresponsible (Sept. 2026).
- Debated the cost of the spending freeze on staff and the potential need to use a city line of credit (July 2026).
- Initially voted against specific budget lines to protest cuts to social-emotional learning funding (June 2025).
- Showed deep divisions over proposals like an administrative salary freeze and the balance between administrative versus student-facing roles (March 2025).
Administration
- Implemented a non-personnel spending freeze to manage a projected deficit (Dec. 2025).
- Framed the budget and associated staff cuts as a necessary 'right-sizing' in response to a 15-year low in student enrollment (April 2025).
- Defended retaining director-level positions for DEI and Mental Health as essential for meeting district obligations (April 2025).
- Strongly opposed a proposed salary freeze for top administrators, viewing it as disrespectful and damaging to leadership (March 2025).
Staff
- Reported that the spending freeze forced teachers to use personal funds for classroom supplies (July 2026).
- Initially opposed cuts to student-facing positions and the Director of Curriculum, but ultimately encouraged a 'yes' vote on the final budget referendum (Spring 2025).
- Supported an administrative salary freeze as a way to save student-facing jobs (March 2025).
- Criticized the administration for a perceived lack of transparency and for damaging trust during the budget process (March-April 2025).
Citizens
- Expressed concern that the district ending the year with no fund balance is irresponsible (Sept. 2026).
- Urged the board to provide better community education on budgetary matters following the Kaler Elementary closure (July 2026).
- Questioned the origins of the budget deficit and the impact of the spending freeze (Dec. 2025).
- Strongly opposed cuts to student-facing positions, arguing the administration was 'top-heavy' (April 2025).
Key Resolutions & Votes
| Date | Motion | Result |
|---|---|---|
| September 14, 2026 | Consideration and action to approve the consent agenda with the following items: Approval of the minutes from the regular meeting held on August 17th; Approval of the following personnel elections: Nicole Coutu, Elizabeth Fowler, Mitch Ouellette, Helen Pelletier, Shelby Santor, and Mary Catherine Short; Approval of the donation from Dirigo Reads; Approval of all needed transfers for current and prior year deficits as part of the FY26 closeout process. | Passed |
| June 3, 2025 | To authorize that $28,543,963 be expended for regular instruction (Item 3.1). | Passed |
| June 3, 2025 | To approve budget cost center items 3.2 through 3.11 as a group. | Passed |
| June 3, 2025 | To approve budget action items 3.12 through 3.19 as a group. | Passed |
| March 31, 2025 | To adjourn the meeting. | Passed |
Meeting History
September 14, 2026
September 14, 2026 — School Board Meeting — SPSD
FY26 Budget Closeout and Fund Balance
The Finance Committee reported that the district is projected to close the FY26 budget with only a ~$1,000 deficit, a significant improvement from earlier projections. However, this leaves the district with virtually no fund balance, a situation Member Richardson and several public commenters described as concerning and irresponsible, especially with potential facility emergencies looming.
July 20, 2026
July 20, 2026 — School Board Meeting — SPSD
FY2026 Financial Update
Director of Finance Abigail Ketchen reported that due to a successful spending freeze, the FY26 budget is trending towards a more positive outcome than the worst-case scenarios previously projected. Board members discussed the cost of the freeze on teachers and staff, with some suggesting a way to reimburse out-of-pocket expenses, and debated the potential need to use the city's $2 million line of credit.
Public Comment
Citizens and teachers addressed the board on several issues. Carl Parsons expressed disappointment over the Kaler Elementary closure and urged better community education on budgetary issues and diversity. Corinne Altham, SPTA Vice President, countered the finance report by detailing how the spending freeze directly impacted classroom supplies, forcing teachers to use personal funds or go without.
April 13, 2026
April 13, 2026 — School Board Meeting — SPSD
FY26 Financial Concerns
The Director of Finance reported a potential FY26 budget deficit of up to $1.1 million. This projection raised concerns among board members and the public about the district's financial stability and management, especially with unresolved costs from the new teacher contract still pending.
January 12, 2026
January 12, 2026 — School Board Meeting — SPSD
FY2026 Budget Projections and Public Forum
Finance Chair Ms. Holman reported on the district's budget status, projecting a potential deficit, while Superintendent Dr. Entwistle promoted the upcoming Public School Budget Forum on January 22nd to gather community input.
December 8, 2025
December 8, 2025 — School Board Meeting — SPSD
FY26 Financial Update and Spending Freeze
The Finance Committee reported a significant potential budget deficit for the current fiscal year, ranging from $1.3 to $1.9 million. This projection, updated to include the ratified teachers' contract, prompted the administration to implement an immediate non-personnel spending freeze to ensure the district ends the year without a deficit.
Public Comment
Citizens and the SPTA president offered support, asked clarifying questions about the budget deficit's origins and the impact of the spending freeze on classrooms and substitute availability, and reiterated community interest in establishing a district education foundation.
November 3, 2025
November 3, 2025 — School Board Meeting — SPSD
Financial Update and Outlook
Finance Director Abigail Ketchen presented a financial update, noting that a one-time geothermal energy tax credit of over $800,000 will help the district avoid a deficit this fiscal year. However, she warned of significant future challenges due to rising costs and the depletion of the district's fund balance, which has historically been used to buffer tax increases.
June 3, 2025
June 3, 2025 — School Board Meeting — SPSD
Special Meeting Purpose
The Superintendent explained that the special meeting was necessary to approve the budget articles ahead of the City Council's budget vote, due to an accelerated timeline this year compared to previous years.
FY26 Budget Action Items
The Superintendent read all 19 budget action items into the record, covering the 11 cost centers, appropriations, local contributions, debt service, and capital improvement plan, totaling over $73 million.
Voting Procedure
The Board agreed to a proposal by member DeAngelis to vote on the first budget item (Regular Instruction) separately and then vote on the remaining items in two large blocks to expedite the process.
Vote on Regular Instruction (Item 3.1)
The board voted 4-2 to approve the Regular Instruction budget. Board member DeAngelis stated she was voting no to protest the cuts to social-emotional learning funding within that budget line.
Votes on Remaining Budget Items
The board voted unanimously to approve the remaining budget items, which were bundled into two groups: cost centers 3.2-3.11 and action items 3.12-3.19.
Board Comments
Board members expressed appreciation for the administration and each other's work during a difficult budget process. Member DeAngelis noted that disagreement is a healthy part of representing the community, and the board was glad to move the budget forward to the City Council.
May 12, 2025
May 12, 2025 — School Board Meeting — SPSD
Board Welcome and Announcements
The Board welcomed new member Eleni Richardson and announced key upcoming dates, including the next Regular School Board Meeting on June 9th and the School Budget Referendum on June 10th.
School Budget Referendum Information
Superintendent Mr. Matheney shared details on the School Budget Referendum, noting that voting will take place exclusively at the community center and highlighting online resources available for public review.
April 30, 2025
April 30, 2025 — School Board Meeting — SPSD
FY26 Budget Referendum
The Superintendent urged the community to vote in the school budget referendum on June 10th. He clarified that the vote is only for the district's operational budget for 2025-26 and does not include funding for the proposed athletic complex improvements, which would be a separate future bond referendum.
Public Comment
Citizens and teachers spoke on several topics. The teachers' association president encouraged a 'yes' vote on the budget, while other speakers expressed sadness over the resignations of valued teachers and inquired about the district's future plans for pre-K special education.
April 14, 2025
April 14, 2025 — School Board Meeting — SPSD
Public Comment on Athletic Complex and Budget
Citizens, students, and staff offered varied perspectives. Some argued against any spending on athletics given the district's budget shortfall and the need to fund academic and support positions. Others emphasized the importance of athletics for a well-rounded education and urged the board to let voters decide on the long-delayed facility upgrades, stressing the need for clarity in the ballot language.
April 7, 2025
April 7, 2025 — School Board Meeting — SPSD
FY2026 Budget Presentation
Superintendent Tim Metheny presented the FY2026 budget, which includes a 5.98% operating increase. He framed the budget around the core challenge of declining student enrollment, now at a 15-year low, which he argued necessitates difficult decisions and a 'right-sizing' of the district's resources and staffing levels.
Position Reinstatements
The administration announced the restoration of several positions previously proposed for elimination, funded through reserve transfers and savings. These include a halftime STEM coordinator, a full-time ESOL teacher, and a percussion ed tech, with a potential reinstatement of an ESOL EdTech position pending further review.
District Office Reorganization
A major component of the budget is a significant reorganization of the central office, resulting in a net reduction of positions and a 14% budget cut for that department. Key changes include eliminating the Director of Curriculum and Instruction, a co-director of Community Partnerships, and an HR Coordinator, while creating a new Manager of Human Resources role.
Defense of New Director Roles
Superintendent Metheny defended the retention of newer director-level positions for Multilingual Programs, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), and Mental/Behavioral Health. He argued these roles provide essential, specialized expertise required to meet the district's evolving legal obligations and student needs, which are not as broadly held among existing staff as curriculum expertise is.
Board Discussion on Budget Priorities
Board members engaged in a lengthy discussion, questioning the rationale for cutting the long-standing Director of Curriculum while retaining newer director roles. The debate centered on the balance between administrative overhead and student-facing positions, with members requesting cost analyses for various alternative scenarios, such as reconfiguring director roles or reducing an assistant principal position.
Controversy over SPTA Proposal
Significant tension arose regarding an email from the South Portland Teachers Association (SPTA) containing alternative budget ideas. The superintendent treated it as a formal proposal to be discussed publicly, while the SPTA president later clarified it was intended as informal ideas for a private consultation, criticizing the administration's handling for damaging trust and morale.
Public Comment
Teachers, parents, students, and citizens voiced strong opinions on the budget. Dominant themes included opposition to cutting student-facing positions (SEL, curriculum, music, ed techs) while the administration appears 'top-heavy,' concerns about a lack of transparency in the budget process, and the need to address declining enrollment by investing in programs that attract families.
March 31, 2025
March 31, 2025 — School Board Meeting — SPSD
FY26 Budget Overview
Superintendent Tim Metheny presented the final proposed FY26 budget of $73 million, a 5.98% increase requiring over $3.1 million more from taxpayers. He highlighted major uncertainties, particularly health insurance costs, which could increase anywhere from 3% to 14% and potentially force further reductions.
Administrative Salary Freeze Controversy
A proposal to freeze the salaries of the 12 highest-paid, non-union administrators to save approximately $68,000 became a major point of contention. Several board members supported it as a measure of shared sacrifice, while the Superintendent and Board Chair strongly opposed it, calling it disrespectful and potentially damaging to district leadership.
No Final Decision
After extensive and tense debate, the board failed to get a second on a motion to approve the superintendent's budget. Citing deep divisions and new information, including a last-minute offer from principals to find savings in their operational budgets, the board adjourned without a vote to allow for further deliberation at a future meeting.
March 24, 2025
March 24, 2025 — School Board Meeting — SPSD
FY26 Budget Workshop II and Health Insurance Cost Increase
The School Board discussed the unexpected 7.5% increase in health insurance costs, which creates a $200,000 deficit in the preliminary budget. This increase raises the proposed budget hike to 6.36% if no other cuts are made, prompting intense debate over where to find savings to keep the tax increase at or below 6%.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Position Restructuring
The board debated restructuring the Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion position to a coordinator role to save $30,000. While some members advocated for deeper cuts or replacing the role with stipends, the administration and several citizens strongly defended maintaining a full-time DEI presence to uphold district values.
Restoring Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) and Curriculum Director Positions
Board members and teachers strongly advocated for restoring three elementary SEL teachers and the Director of Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment. These positions were highlighted as critical for student support and instructional cohesion, though they add significant costs back into the budget.
Middle School Administration and Assistant Principal Debate
A proposal to eliminate one of the three assistant principal positions at South Portland Middle School to save $141,000 was initially supported but later reversed. Middle school staff and administrators passionately argued that running a split-grade school with two start times is untenable without adequate leadership.
Administrative Salary Freeze and Employee Perspectives
The board approved a flexible salary freeze for the top non-bargaining administrators to save approximately $55,000, sparking a heated debate about equity and 'us versus them' dynamics. Representatives from SPESPA and SPTA supported the freeze to protect student-facing roles, while administrators expressed concern over public shaming and the devaluation of leadership.
March 17, 2025
March 17, 2025 — School Board Meeting — SPSD
FY26 Budget Presentation
Superintendent Metheny presented the FY26 budget, highlighting a $3.17 million increase in the taxpayer request despite significant proposed cuts. He contextualized the budget with data showing a 10% student enrollment decline since 2022, a significant increase in staffing over the same period, and a shifting tax burden onto residential properties.
Proposed Staff Reductions
The budget includes numerous staff reductions across the district, including the Director of Curriculum, ESOL teachers, Social Emotional Learning (SEL) teachers, a McKinney-Vento social worker, and various Ed Tech positions. The administration argued these cuts were necessary to balance the budget while preserving core programs.
Impact on Student Services
Teachers, parents, and student representatives expressed alarm over the proposed cuts to student-facing positions. They argued that eliminating SEL teachers, ESOL staff, library Ed Techs, and the percussion instructor would harm students' mental health, academic support, and sense of belonging, particularly for the most vulnerable populations.
Curriculum Leadership Concerns
Multiple speakers, including teachers' association representatives, strongly opposed the elimination of the Director of Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment. They argued the position is essential for maintaining academic standards, supporting teachers, and ensuring equity, and that distributing these responsibilities among other administrators is not a viable long-term plan.
Taxpayer Burden
The superintendent and a public commenter highlighted the significant financial pressure on South Portland residents. The presentation showed an average homeowner could see a 38% increase in their school tax bill over two years, largely due to property revaluations, making any budget increase a difficult proposition for taxpayers, especially those on fixed incomes.
Second Lunch Program Elimination
The proposed budget eliminates the second lunch option for students, a $150,000 program. While the board had previously supported this, they seemed to accept the cut as a necessary trade-off to preserve staffing, with the hope of providing shelf-stable snacks through community partnerships.
March 10, 2025
March 10, 2025 — School Board Meeting — SPSD
FY26 Budget Presentation: Context and Drivers
Superintendent Matheney presented the proposed FY26 budget, explaining the difficult financial context. Key drivers for a potential $9 million budget increase include declining enrollment, the loss of COVID-era and other carryover funds, contractual salary increases, rising benefits costs, and inflation.
FY26 Budget Presentation: Proposed Reductions
To close the budget gap, the superintendent proposed a $72.9M budget, representing a 5.98% increase. This includes eliminating approximately 20 positions across the district, including the Director of Curriculum, teachers (ESOL, SEL, Social Studies), and Ed Techs. The plan also involves reorganizing curriculum leadership and changing elementary library time to a 'special' to cover teacher prep time lost from SEL classes.
Public Comment on Budget Cuts
An extensive public comment period featured dozens of teachers, parents, and students speaking passionately against the proposed cuts. Common themes included a perceived lack of transparency and union involvement in the budget process, the "callous" nature of the email layoff notifications, and strong opposition to cutting positions in social-emotional learning (SEL), music, social studies, special education, and multilingual learner (ESOL) support.
February 24, 2025
February 24, 2025 — School Board Meeting — SPSD
FY2026 Budget Outlook
Superintendent Matheney presented a difficult budget forecast for FY2026, highlighting that maintaining current services would require an 11.4% local budget increase. Factors such as expiring federal funds, rising special education needs, and reduced philanthropic support will necessitate employee position reductions and a non-essential spending freeze.
May 13, 2024
May 13, 2024 — School Board Meeting — SPSD
Enrollment and Budget Forecast
Superintendent Matheney reported a steady decline in student enrollment, warning that it will impact future state subsidies. He emphasized that the upcoming FY26 budget cycle will present significant financial challenges for the district.