The Stratham School Board meeting held on January 15, 2025, focused on budget discussions and the management of trust funds, with significant attention given to the Special Education Trust Fund and the overall school budget for the upcoming year.

During the meeting, the board unanimously agreed to maintain the current amount in the Special Education Trust Fund and to add $20,000 to the maintenance fund. This addition aims to support future projects, including window replacements and a potential generator installation. Additionally, the board decided to allocate $10,000 to the technology fund to address necessary updates in wiring and computer systems.

The school budget was a central topic, with a vote resulting in a 4 to 1 approval for a budget increase of 2.73%. One board member, Pat Abrami, expressed dissent, prompting discussions about the implications of budget cuts on staffing and class sizes. Concerns were raised about the potential impact of hiring fewer teachers, especially as five staff members are set to retire. A member of the Finance and Advisory Committee (FACC) voiced worries that reducing the budget could deter young families from moving to Stratham, as they might prefer towns with better-funded schools.

The meeting highlighted the challenges faced by the board in balancing budget constraints with the need to provide quality education. The discussions underscored the importance of thoughtful financial planning to ensure that the needs of students and the community are met. As the board moves forward, the implications of these budget decisions will be closely monitored by both board members and community stakeholders.