Have you ever wondered how the school district budget is developed – or wished you had a greater voice in the process? This may be the opportunity you’ve been looking for. At a time when people are especially concerned about the fiscal impact the school budget has on their taxes, having an engaged group of community members to review and discuss the budget is more important than ever.
The Mascenic Regional School District is seeking community members in Greenville and New Ipswich to serve on its Advisory Budget Committee (ABC). The committee can include up to five community members, who are appointed by the School Board for one-year terms. The Advisory Budget Committee was established by voters in 2017 to provide an advisory voice to both the School Board and district voters. The committee reviews the School Board’s proposed budget, considers anticipated costs and revenues, meets with the School Board and SAU, and makes recommendations regarding the district budget and warrant articles containing appropriations.
The ABC meets approximately two to three times per month during October, November, and December, as the school budget is developed, reviewed, and approved. Members then participate in the Deliberative Session in February, where they share their recommendations with the community. And no – you don’t have to be an accountant, a financial expert, nor have a high credit score to participate. Appointed volunteers need to be willing to invest their time, ask questions, and look at the numbers.
This is an opportunity to be more than a voter marking a ballot in March. It is an opportunity to delve deep into the budget process, understand the challenges facing schools and taxpayers, ask questions, and help shape the conversation before the budget reaches the ballot.
If you are interested, please contact School Board Chair Mitch Gluck at mgluck@mascenic.org by Sept. 16.
Liz Pogorzelski is the superintendent of the Mascenic Regional School District.