Gilford school voters reject amendments, approve warrant as presented

GILFORD — Voters at the school deliberative session felt strongly about proposed upgrades at the Meadows, leaving a pair of proposed warrant article amendments rejected, following discussion and clarification from school leaders.

In Article 2, district members will vote on whether to approve an operating budget of $32.2 million, a 2.8% increase over last year. If voted down, the default budget of $31.4 million will be adopted.

Superintendent Kirk Beitler gave a rundown of the proposed budget, which includes $31 million in the general fund, $434,055 in the Federal Projects Fund, and $736,355 in the Food Service Fund.

Proposed budget increases include $448,332 for salaries for support staff, administrators, and non-union employees; $100,000 for changes to the English language arts curriculum for kindergarten through eighth grade required by state law; and $34,343 for a new Gilford Middle School technology support position.

Beitler said there are $415,403 in proposed building projects, including $113,099 in the “57 Account” for a hot water heater, dishwasher and fridge at the middle and high schools; $115,077 for Gilford Elementary projects; $61,655 for projects at Gilford Middle; $64,563 for projects at Gilford High; $49,800 for roof repairs and a paint machine rental at the Meadows; and $11,209 for district projects.

Another key change is the bus contract with First Student, with Beitler saying there is a “hefty increase” of 17.5%, or $184,935, in the first year.

He discussed capital improvement projects, including $209,550 for heating and cooling at the middle and high schools; $75,000 for the district-wide phone system; and $700,000 for bathrooms and a concession stand at the Meadows athletic fields.

The Meadows became a point of contention, as there was confusion about the origin of funds. Doug Lambert proposed an amendment to Article 2 to take $700,000 from the operating budget, which was seconded by Ronnie Abbott.

Lambert thought there wasn’t enough information available to the public about the project, and suggested the town treat the project as a separate warrant article, so it can be voted on by the district.

He pointed out the district’s population is steadily declining, and doesn’t see this type of project is prudent.

Selectboard Vice Chair Chan Eddy felt the same way as Lambert, saying the $700,000 figure came out of nowhere. He said it is a “big hook” which deserves more attention and information for voters.

“I would like to see the specifics on this before I vote for it,” Eddy said.

Carole Mullarkey asked for clarification about the origin of the funds, and whether it is through the general fund or funds set aside. Beitler, as well as Business Administrator Amie Leigh, told voters the funds were not included in the operating budget, and were, in fact, from a capital surplus account. Leigh added the Meadows project is a proposal, and not guaranteed.

“It’s not a definite, it’s a proposed project,” Leigh said. “That is why we are asking to put money in the account to cover these projects.”

School board member Nicole Hogan, who said she was speaking as a taxpayer, warned removing $700,000 from the budget would not affect the capital accounts. Instead, it would cause the board to make cuts from programs, facilities and services.

Gretchen Gandini asked why it wouldn’t be a separate warrant article, and school board member Jessica Jacques said the board has been mindful over the last decade about big ticket items. The capital improvements fund makes it so when these large projects come up, there are funds to spend, in order to not overburden the taxpayers.

Anne Nichols said while she believes the proposal should be its own warrant article, she did not support the amendment after clarification of from where the money would come. Mullarkey thanked everyone who participated in the discussion, and said it helped inform the audience, and ultimately led her not to support the amendment.

“I’m imagining children without pencils and Chromebooks,” Mullarkey said.

The amendment was ultimately voted down handily with a card vote, and the article moved to the ballot as presented.

Article 3 asks voters to approve the collective bargaining agreement between the district and the Gilford Education Association, calling for increases of $485,810 this year; then $471,629 and $474,356, over the next three school years.

With the approval of Article 3, as well as the proposed operating budget, the total budget will come to $33.1 million, a 4.4% increase.

If Article 3 is defeated, Article 4 asks the district to authorize the school board to call a special meeting to address those items.

Article 5 asks the district to vote to raise $300,000 for the school buildings maintenance and improvement capital reserve fund for repairs, maintenance and upgrades to buildings, grounds, and facilities.

Lambert proposed an amendment to replace the figure with “zero dollars.” He said it is called an unrestricted fund balance, or surplus, but inquired where that money comes from. He asked if it was taxpayer money, and Beitler said he was correct.

Lambert isn’t a fan of using surplus funds on projects, saying people act like it is free money, but it artificially inflates the budget. He referred to the Meadows project, which he opposes, and that Article 5 could trigger a $700,000 expense with very little discussion.

“It is costing us something,” Lambert said. “That’s our money.”

The article’s intention is to have money for future repairs of heating and cooling system controls, stage rigging updates at the high school, and bathroom and concession stand renovations at the Meadows. The projected total costs of these projects are $909,550.

The amendment was voted down, with only four residents in favor, and the article moved to the ballot as presented.

Article 6 is to approve adding $100,000 to the School Buildings Roof Maintenance Capital Reserve Fund. The article is intended for future roof repairs at the middle school by 2038, estimated to be $1.7 million.

The district is asked, in Article 7, to add $25,000 to the School Buildings Technology Infrastructure Capital Reserve, meant for future repairs to the phone system, projected to cost $75,000.

A group of citizens petitioned Article 8, asking voters if they oppose state-mandated caps on school district budgets.

Article 1 is for the election of officers: Geoffrey Ruggles for moderator; Kim Salanitro for clerk; Susan Jensen for treasurer; and Robert McLean for a three-year school board seat.

Each article was unanimously recommended by the school board and budget committee, with majority vote required.

Voting on each article will take place from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, March 10, at the Gilford Youth Center.