On March 10, voters in Jaffrey and Rindge will go to the polls to decide on town and school district proposals. One important proposal is the school district’s budget for 2026-27. This year, voters will see two budget figures: the default budget of $31,991,442 and the school board’s proposed budget of $33,500,000.
Last March, voters approved the budget for 2025-26 at $30,781,228. This budget included a cut of $3 million to staffing and programs. In August 2025, the school board decided to use $1,126,245 from its unassigned fund balance to restore some activities and services, such as athletics, universal access to 4-year-old pre-K, a French teacher, and a librarian. After these adjustments, the unassigned fund balance was reduced to $31,997, changing the operating budget to $31,907,473.
The default budget for 2026-27 is $83,969 higher than this year’s operating budget. However, it does not include the programs funded by the unassigned fund balance mentioned above. The default budget also accounts for new mandatory positions and includes $970,274 for salary increases and higher health and dental costs.
During the budget meetings, the school board discussed whether to list activities and universal access to 4-year-old pre-K as separate proposals or include them in the proposed budget. Ultimately, they decided to include these programs in the proposed 2026-27 budget. This means that most items funded by the unassigned fund balance this year are added back into the new budget, contributing to the difference between the default and proposed budgets.
Additionally, the proposed budget includes a new position for an assistant superintendent of Learning Structures. This position is part of a leadership succession plan. The individual in this role will lead education and facilities oversight, planning, and improvements throughout the district. Currently, the district does not have a curriculum director or a facilities director.
On March 10, voters in Jaffrey and Rindge will cast their votes on school district warrant Article II. A “yes” vote means support for the School Board’s proposed budget, while a “no” vote supports the default budget.
Reuben Duncan is the superintendent of the Jaffrey-Rindge Cooperative School District.