Current Status
The FY27 operating budget, which includes a 6% tax increase, has been approved by both the Board of Education and the City Council. It is scheduled to go before voters for final approval on June 9, 2026.
Overview
- On June 8, 2026, responding to public criticism of the FY27 process, the board voted to amend the schedule for the next budget cycle to begin workshops in December.
- The Director of Finance reported on May 11, 2026, that the City Council had approved the budget and it would proceed to a voter referendum.
- On April 29, 2026, the Board gave its final approval to the FY27 budget, which was significantly aided by a City Council agreement to forgive up to $2 million in debt, allowing for the restoration of several positions.
- The board voted 4-2 on April 7, 2026, to adopt the Superintendent's Budget and advance it to the City Council, following a contentious debate over whether to delay for further negotiations.
- On March 30, 2026, the board initially rejected the Superintendent's FY27 budget proposal in a 2-5 vote, citing concerns over specific cuts and the rushed nature of the process.
- The administration first presented a plan on March 9, 2026, to address an $8.4 million budget gap by reducing 78 staff positions and closing one elementary school.
Perspectives
Board
- Initially rejected the Superintendent's budget on March 30 due to concerns about the speed of the process and specific cuts.
- Debated whether to ask the City Council for a higher tax impact to avoid deep cuts or to move forward to provide staff with certainty.
- Ultimately approved a final budget after securing financial assistance from the City Council.
- Voted to start the next budget cycle earlier in response to public criticism of the FY27 timeline.
Administration
- Proposed a budget to address a major structural deficit through significant staff reductions and the closure of an elementary school.
- Recommended creating a contingency fund to build financial stability and reclassifying some director roles to save costs while retaining expertise.
- Utilized unexpected savings from health insurance and state funding to restore several teaching and ed tech positions on a one-time basis.
Staff
- Union presidents and teachers consistently spoke out against cuts to student-facing roles, including related arts, special education, and mental health supports.
- Speakers highlighted critical safety and staffing shortages in special education classrooms and the low morale among educators.
- The teachers' union president offered to collaborate with the board and urged a process that did not pit staff against each other to defend their jobs.
Citizens
- Parents and students consistently opposed cuts to programs like music, art, and computer science, emphasizing their importance for student well-being.
- Many speakers expressed concern over the scale of the proposed cuts, the rushed nature of the process, and the potential negative impacts of school closure.
- Public criticism of the FY27 budget timeline led the board to schedule an earlier start for the next budget cycle.
Key Resolutions & Votes
| Date | Motion | Result |
|---|---|---|
| June 8, 2026 | To approve the board meeting schedule for the 2026-27 school year | Passed |
| April 29, 2026 | approve 6% impact on taxes | Passed |
| April 29, 2026 | adopt personnel reductions, as presented and consistent with the final 2026-27 School Board Budget | Passed |
| April 29, 2026 | authorize budget Cost Centers: $28,019,115 for Regular Instruction, $16,121,654 for Special Education, $0 for Career and Technical Education, $1,286,516 for Other Instruction | Passed |
| April 29, 2026 | authorize budget Cost Centers: $4,936,016 for Student and Staff Support, $2,897,113 for System Administration, $3,177,865 for School Administration, $3,288,253 for Transportation and Buses | Passed |
| April 29, 2026 | authorize budget Cost Centers: $7,461,844 for Facilities Maintenance, $8,099,359 for Debt Service and Other Commitments, $635,867 for All Other Expenditures | Passed |
| April 29, 2026 | Authorize that $48,510,979 be appropriated for the total cost of funding public education from pre-kindergarten to grade 12 as described in the Essential Programs and Services Funding Act and that $37,287,295 be raised as the City's contribution to the total cost of funding public education from pre-kindergarten to grade 12 as described in the Essential Programs and Services Funding Act in accordance with the Maine Revised Statutes, Title 20-A, section 15688; and Authorize that $3,737,171 be raised and appropriated for the annual payments on debt service previously approved by the voters for non-State-funded school construction projects and non-State-funded portions of school construction projects in addition to the funds appropriated as the local share of the City's contribution to the total cost of funding public education from pre-kindergarten to grade 12. | Passed |
| April 29, 2026 | Authorize that $18,268,100 be raised and appropriated in additional local funds, which exceed the State’s Essential Programs and Services Allocation model by $18,268,100 as required to fund the budget recommended by the Board of Education; and Authorize that the Board of Education be authorized to expend $75,923,601 for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2026 and ending June 30, 2027 from the municipality’s contribution to the total cost of funding public education from pre-kindergarten to grade 12 as described in the Essential Programs and Services Funding Act, non-State funded school construction projects, additional local funds for school purposes under the Maine Revised Statutes, Title 20-A, section 15690, unexpended balances, tuition receipts, state subsidy and other receipts for the support of schools. | Passed |
| April 29, 2026 | Authorize the City of South Portland to appropriate $250,000 for Adult Education and raise $250,000 as the local share; with authorization to expend any additional, incidental, or miscellaneous receipts in the interest and for the well-being of the adult education program; Authorize the Board of Education to expend such other sums as may be received from state and federal grants or programs or other sources during the fiscal year for school and/or adult education purposes provided that such grants, programs or other sources do not require the expenditure of other funds not previously appropriated; and Authorize the Board of Education to use all or part of additional state subsidy received, if any, to increase expenditures for school purposes in cost center categories approved by the School Board, increase the allocation of finances in a reserve fund approved by the School Board, and/or decrease the local cost-share expectation, as defined in Title 20-A, section 15671-A(1)(B), for local property taxpayers for funding public education as approved by the School Board. | Passed |
| April 13, 2026 | ask the City Council for an offset of $360,000 for shared municipal services at the cost of SROs and snow removal and sanding | Passed |
| April 13, 2026 | ask the City Council for a 1% increase in taxes specifically to seed/increase the fund balance | Passed |
| April 13, 2026 | approve that any savings from City Council would be go into contingency | Passed |
| April 7, 2026 | to adopt the FY27 Superintendent’s Budget as the Board’s Budget Proposal to be advanced to the City Council | Passed |
| April 2, 2026 | to convene a meeting with the City Council to seek budgeting guidance | Passed |
| March 30, 2026 | To not adopt the FY27 Superintendent’s Budget as the Board’s Budget Proposal. | Failed |
Meeting History
June 8, 2026
June 8, 2026 — School Board Meeting — SPSD
FY27 Budget Calendar
Following public comment criticism that the proposed 2026-27 meeting calendar started budget workshops too late in March, the board voted to amend the schedule to officially begin the budget process in December 2026.
May 11, 2026
May 11, 2026 — School Board Meeting — SPSD
FY26-27 Budget and Finance Update
The Director of Finance reported that the budget was approved by the City Council and will go to voters on June 9th. The district's projected deficit range has decreased, and the city has offered up to $2 million in debt forgiveness to cover any remaining shortfall for the current fiscal year.
April 29, 2026
April 29, 2026 — School Board Meeting — SPSD
FY2027 Budget Approval
The Board approved the final FY2027 operating budget with a 6% tax increase. The budget was significantly aided by the City Council's agreement to forgive up to $2 million of the projected deficit from the city's fund balance, avoiding a costly repayment plan.
Personnel Reductions and Restorations
The Board finalized personnel reductions and restorations for the upcoming school year. Utilizing one-time Maine Supplemental Funding and insurance savings, the district restored four teaching positions on a one-time basis, alongside two special education ed techs and one custodial position.
April 13, 2026
April 13, 2026 — School Board Meeting — SPSD
FY27 Budget Guidance for City Council
The board prepared for its upcoming City Council Budget Workshop by voting on specific financial requests. They approved motions to ask the council for a 1% tax increase to rebuild the district's contingency fund and to have the city absorb $360,000 in shared service costs for SROs and snow removal.
April 7, 2026
April 7, 2026 — School Board Meeting — SPSD
Meeting Decorum and Budget Update
The meeting began with the Chair and Superintendent calling for civility and adherence to board norms, referencing a contentious previous meeting. The administration then presented a budget update, highlighting a $655,000 savings from lower-than-expected health insurance increases, and proposed using these funds to reinstate two teaching positions and two ed tech positions, with the remainder going to a new contingency fund to build financial stability.
Financial Stability Discussion
The board engaged in a detailed discussion with the administration about the mechanisms for rebuilding the district's finances. Dr. Prince and Abigail Ketchen explained the differences between reserve funds, undesignated fund balance, and the proposed contingency fund, recommending the contingency fund as the best vehicle to seed the fund balance in future years.
Staffing and Safety Concerns
A significant theme from public comment, particularly from teachers and union presidents, was the severe impact of budget cuts on student-facing roles. Speakers highlighted critical safety and staffing shortages in special education classrooms, the loss of vital related arts and mental health support positions, and the low morale among educators facing uncertainty.
Budget Adoption
Following public comment, the board debated whether to pass the budget. Some members argued for a delay to have further discussions with the City Council about increasing the tax impact, while others stressed the need to provide certainty to staff and move the process forward. The board ultimately voted 4-2 to adopt the FY27 Superintendent's Budget and advance it to the City Council.
April 2, 2026
April 2, 2026 — School Board Meeting — SPSD
FY27 Superintendent's Budget Presentation
Finance Director Abigail Ketchen presented the FY27 Superintendent's Budget, highlighting the necessity of realistic budgeting for non-personnel costs such as electricity and tuition reimbursement. She argued that fully costing these expenses is essential to protect future staff positions and avoid mid-year freezes.
Administrative Restructuring and Staff Capacity
Board members debated the elimination of director-level roles and the creation of instructional strategist positions. While some members questioned whether these changes simply shifted responsibilities, the administration argued that the new roles would build staff capacity and directly support teachers in classrooms.
Public Opposition to Student-Facing Cuts
During public comment, numerous teachers, parents, and students strongly opposed proposed cuts to student-facing roles, including computer science, art, physical education, and occupational therapists. Commenters emphasized that these programs are vital for student mental health, engagement, and long-term success.
Collaboration with City Council and State Funding
The Board voted unanimously to convene a meeting with the City Council to seek budgetary guidance and explore additional state funding opportunities. This decision came after learning of potential increases in state funding for economically disadvantaged and homeless students.
March 30, 2026
March 30, 2026 — School Board Meeting — SPSD
FY27 Budget Presentation
The Superintendent's team presented an updated FY27 budget proposal to address a significant financial shortfall. The plan included the reduction of director-level positions, such as the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Director and an Assistant Director of Special Education, reclassifying them as instructional strategists within the teachers' union to achieve cost savings while retaining expertise.
Public Comment on Budget and Reconfiguration
An extensive public comment period featured emotional testimony from dozens of parents, teachers, staff, and students. Speakers passionately argued against cutting specific positions like the percussion ed tech and related arts teachers, criticized the rushed process for major decisions, and expressed deep concerns about the impact of school closure and reconfiguration on student well-being and community stability.
Board Discussion on Proposals
Board members engaged in a lengthy discussion, questioning the administration on the specifics of the budget, the rationale for certain cuts, and the logistics of the proposed reconfiguration. Members expressed a wide range of views, with some supporting the administration's plan as a necessary step towards fiscal stability and equity, while others voiced strong opposition due to the lack of detailed planning and the speed of the process.
Rejection of the FY27 Budget
In the final major action of the night, the board voted 2-5 to reject the Superintendent's FY27 budget proposal. Several members who voted no expressed concerns over specific cuts, the last-minute change to the DEI position, and a desire to have further discussions, including potentially with the City Council, before approving a final budget.
Next Steps
Due to the failure of the budget vote, the Chair announced that the board would convene another special meeting on Thursday to continue deliberations. The board still faces a deadline to present its budget to the City Council in early April.
March 23, 2026
March 23, 2026 — School Board Meeting — SPSD
FY27 Budget Presentation
The administration presented the FY27 Superintendent’s Budget, a plan to address a major financial crisis through significant cuts. The proposal includes a 6% local tax increase and a 3.3% overall budget increase, the lowest in years, but is achieved through painful reductions including the loss of over 70 staff positions.
Staff Reductions
The budget involves cutting approximately 12% of district staff. The administration detailed the notification process and the specific number of reductions across all unions, including teachers, support professionals (SPESPA), and service staff. Cuts to related arts, special education, and classroom teachers were particularly highlighted.
Public Comment on Budget Cuts
An extensive public comment period featured students, parents, and many teachers. Speakers passionately debated the school closure, the reconfiguration options, and specific cuts, particularly to the music (percussion ed tech) and special education programs. Many citizens and teachers expressed support for reconfiguration to improve equity, while others urged a slower, more deliberate process with more community engagement.
March 9, 2026
March 9, 2026 — School Board Meeting — SPSD
FY27 Budget Presentation
The administration presented a budget proposal to address an $8.4 million gap, aiming for a 3.3% budget increase and a sub-6% tax impact. The plan, developed to meet fiscal constraints including a depleted fund balance, includes the proposed reduction of 78 staff positions across the district and the closure of one elementary school.
Extensive Public Comment
Dozens of teachers, parents, and residents spoke during two public comment periods, with the majority expressing deep concern over the scale of the proposed cuts and the closure of a neighborhood school. Common themes included the rushed nature of the process, the potential for negative impacts on students and staff, and a desire for more transparency and alternative solutions.
Debate on Alternative Funding and Process
Several speakers and board members urged the board to request a higher tax increase from the City Council or explore using the city's fund balance to avoid drastic cuts. This would provide more time for a new superintendent to lead a long-term strategic planning process, rather than making permanent structural changes in a crisis.
March 2, 2026
March 2, 2026 — School Board Meeting — SPSD
FY27 BUDGET WORKSHOP I Overview
The South Portland Board of Education convened for its third budget workshop to address a projected $7-8 million gap required to meet the City Council's 6% budget increase guidance. Without adjustments, the district faces a 19% budget increase due to declining enrollment and increased staffing.
Redesign of Elementary School Grade Level Configuration
The administration presented nine scenarios for restructuring the district's five elementary schools to achieve fiscal savings and improve educational equity. The top three recommended scenarios involve closing either Skillin or Kaler elementary schools and reconfiguring the remaining schools into grade-level bands.
Facilities and Operational Considerations
Operations and finance directors detailed long-term maintenance costs, noting that Skillin requires a $3 million HVAC replacement in the near future. The financial models also factored in the costs of purchasing or leasing portables to handle capacity constraints under certain closure scenarios.
February 9, 2026
February 9, 2026 — School Board Meeting — SPSD
FY27 Budget Development
The board is grappling with a significant budget shortfall for FY27. Themes from recent public forums highlighted the community's desire to prioritize student needs and maintain program quality, while also seeking long-term financial stability. Board members expressed the need for a clear tax increase target from the City Council to guide their difficult decisions.
February 4, 2026
February 4, 2026 — School Board Meeting — SPSD
FY27 Budget Crisis
The administration presented a significant financial challenge for the upcoming fiscal year (FY27), projecting a $7.2 million budget gap. A level-services budget would necessitate an 18.95% tax increase, far exceeding the Board's target of 6%, which frames the difficult decisions ahead.
Declining Enrollment and Rising Costs
The budget shortfall is primarily driven by a decade-low student enrollment, which has not been matched by a reduction in staffing levels. This structural issue is compounded by rising operational costs, including a projected 12% increase in health insurance premiums, and the depletion of the district's fund balance (savings).
Proposed 'Big Ideas' for Savings
To begin closing the gap, the administration introduced three major cost-saving concepts: reconfiguring the five elementary schools into grade-level centers (est. $2M+ savings), reviewing secondary school schedules and staffing for efficiencies (est. $1M savings), and finding operational efficiencies in services like transportation and maintenance (est. $1M savings).
Remaining Budget Gap
Even if all three major ideas are implemented, an estimated gap of over $3 million will remain. The administration noted that closing this remaining gap would require examining every line of the budget, including contracts, central office staffing, supplies, and unfilled positions.
December 17, 2025
December 17, 2025 — School Board Meeting — SPSD
FY27 Budget Kickoff & Financial Forecast
The administration presented the budget timeline and a grim financial outlook for FY27. Due to declining enrollment and a depleted fund balance, a level-funded budget would still require a 3.1% tax increase, while maintaining current services would necessitate a 17.1% increase.
Board Guidance on Tax Increase
After significant discussion, the board provided guidance to the administration to draft an initial budget based on a tax increase target between Option A (3.1%) and Option B (6.4%). The Superintendent later clarified a 6.5% tax increase would be the starting point for modeling, reflecting the board's desire to find a middle ground between taxpayer burden and school needs.
Proposed Structural Changes for Savings
To address the budget gap, the administration presented several "big ideas" for long-term financial sustainability, each potentially saving between $500,000 and $1.5 million. These included reconfiguring elementary schools, creating a single start time for the middle school, and redesigning high school and adult education programming.
Board Discussion on "Big Ideas"
The proposed structural changes sparked debate among board members. Some expressed concern about revisiting contentious issues like elementary school reconfiguration without community consensus, while others argued that such large-scale changes are necessary to address the structural deficit and avoid deep, harmful cuts to programs.
Comparative District Data
The board reviewed data showing South Portland's per-pupil spending is higher than many neighboring districts. In response, members requested additional comparative data for future meetings, including from more demographically similar cities like Lewiston and Biddeford, to better understand the district's primary cost drivers.
Public & Staff Input
During public comment, SPTA President Sarah Gay requested more detailed staffing ratio data and urged the board to avoid a process that pits staff against each other to defend their jobs. She offered the union's collaboration in sharing information about the value of school programming with the board.