MSAD 41 Presents Revised FY26 Budget: Sustainable Path Forward to Be Considered at July 23 Annual Meeting

Revised Proposal Reflects Community Feedback, Balances Rising Costs with Responsible Adjustments

MSAD 41 will hold its Annual Budget Meeting on Wednesday, July 23, 2025, to present a revised FY26 budget proposal. This updated plan comes after the initial referendum was not approved and reflects careful, thoughtful work by the Finance Committee and School Board to respond to voter concerns while continuing to support high-quality education for all students.

The revised proposal reduces the budget by over $400,000 compared to the previous draft. While this process included difficult staffing adjustments, the proposal represents a sustainable approach that preserves core academic programs, meets state mandates, and maintains critical student services.

📊 Budget Challenges: Rising Costs, Reduced Revenues

Like many districts across Maine, MSAD 41 is navigating significant financial pressures. Key drivers of cost increases include:

• State-mandated wage increases and adjustments to remain competitive:
  

  • Teachers: +3.32% (Cost: $118,000)
    

  • Ed Techs: +5.90% (Cost: $72,275)
    

  • Support Staff: +6.01% (Cost: $160,611.56)
    

• Health insurance premium increase of 3.1% (Cost: $60,000)
  

• Central Office reintegration following the AOS 43 dissolution (Cost: $257,444.43)
  

• Revenue constraints, including:
  

  • $175,000 reduction in MaineCare reimbursements
    

  • Loss of shared-cost revenue from MSAD 31
    

  • Limited available fund balance due to cash flow risk, as cautioned by the auditor.
    

✅ Responsible Adjustments for a Balanced Future

To present a leaner and more sustainable budget to voters, the district made strategic reductions that aim to minimize disruption to students and classrooms. In total, $406,576.43 in additional reductions have been made since the last draft.

🔧 Areas of Adjustment

Facilities & Operations:

• Suspension of annual bus purchase for FY26
  

• Deferral of capital projects like generator upgrades and roof replacements
  

Technology:

• Realignment of positions to combine instructional and tech support roles
  

Staffing:

• Several positions were eliminated or left unfilled due to attrition or restructuring
  

🧾 Positions Impacted

🔍 These reductions represent real losses to our staff and community. Some of the affected individuals are long-standing and highly valued employees. These decisions were made with great difficulty and only after exhausting other cost-saving options. 

👥 Community Engagement: Your Voice Matters

We encourage all residents of Brownville, LaGrange, and Milo to attend the Annual Budget Meeting on July 23. This is your opportunity to review the revised proposal, ask questions, and help shape the future of our schools.

Together, we can move forward with a plan that is both fiscally responsible and educationally strong—ensuring MSAD 41 remains a district that meets the needs of all students.