The 2023-2024 budget passed at the Town Meeting. The Board of Education had adopted a 4.61% increase and the Board of Finance moved a 4.32% increase to Town Meeting. The audience overwhelmingly supported the proposed budget.
The 4.32%, while not fully funded to the Board of Education budget, is extremely supportive of our schools.
I would like to thank the Board of Education for adopting a robust budget that supports our learners and staff. Thank you also to all of you who participated in the budget construction, from making thoughtful requests, asking tough questions and even providing creative solutions to help pass the budget. Thank you to the Board of Finance for being open to considering our requests and understanding of our position. I think I speak for everyone when I say we felt heard and valued throughout the budget process.
This, like all that we do in Lebanon, was a total team effort. The budget meetings were well attended and the tone of each session was positive. We all know that we are living through tough economic times but it was great to hear that investing in our schools is still a top priority in Lebanon.
With the budget passed we can begin planning for next year. I know we have a lot to still do in 2022-2023 but it is exciting to think about what lies ahead in 2023-2024.
Best,
Andy