The Keene Board of Education meeting on February 1, 2025, was marked by a significant budget discussion, particularly concerning special education funding. Superintendent Robert Malay clarified that while the percentage of special education students appears to have increased, the actual number of students has not risen due to overall declining enrollment. This distinction is crucial as the board considers a proposed budget amendment to add $250,000, bringing the total budget to $79,350,705.

Malay urged board members to consider the implications of shifting to a workload model for staff, questioning whether this approach would be sustainable across all employee levels, from custodians to administrators. His comments highlighted the complexity of budgetary decisions and the need for careful consideration of staff workloads.

The proposed amendment was put to a vote but ultimately failed, with 12 in favor and 31 opposed. Following this, a motion to restrict reconsideration of the amendment passed, allowing the board to move forward with the original budget proposal.

The meeting also addressed negotiations for salary increases for principals and supervisors, as part of a collective bargaining agreement. This ongoing discussion reflects the board's commitment to addressing staff compensation while navigating budget constraints.

As the board prepares for the upcoming March warrant article vote, the outcomes of these discussions will play a critical role in shaping the district's financial landscape and educational priorities.