Today should be a time of celebration as we honor the achievements of the Class of 2025 at their graduation ceremony. It is with some disappointment, then, that I feel compelled to address a recent resolution passed by the Fort Kent Town Council expressing opposition to the proposed 2025–2026 MSAD 27 school budget.
The development of this budget was guided by a transparent, thoughtful process that began in January. It included multiple public budget workshops and culminated in a public hearing on May 19. The result is a fiscally responsible proposal that reflects a modest 6.4% increase over last year’s budget, an increase driven by rising costs that are affecting households, businesses, and schools alike.
We encourage all residents who value education and the future of our students to consider supporting this year’s school budget.
We also respectfully ask voters to carefully consider Article 2 on the referendum ballot. This article proposes eliminating the current two-step budget approval process, which would promote the annual public hearing, where community members can ask questions and make an informed decision on the budget. Approving the budget at a public hearing, rather than at the polls, promotes transparency, public engagement, and shared responsibility in shaping our local schools.
As always, we thank our community for its continued support of our students, staff, and schools.
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