School Board Meeting 10/7/26

The Oyster River Cooperative School District (ORCSD) School Board meeting on October 7, 2026, included FY2028 budget planning and discussion of procurement-related costs. The Finance Committee reported that rising diesel prices—from $2.75 per gallon in July 2025 to $4.50 in June 2026 and approximately $5.40 in September 2026, as transcribed—could pressure transportation spending. The district is holding off on requested bus GPS equipment and cameras to preserve funds for fuel. Electricity rates are contracted through December 2028, and a two-year natural-gas contract is in place; FY2028 projections include increases of 3.5% for electricity and 7.5% for natural gas. The committee also previewed major capital needs, including the high school turf field and track, and said bonding options would be discussed at a budget workshop. No contract awards or procurement votes were reported.

The board reviewed its budget-development timeline and discussed a multi-year plan for facilities and technology infrastructure. It also considered House Bill 1300, a newly enacted measure placing limits on school-district tax levies and SAU central-office spending, with bonded building projects excluded. The board scheduled a public hearing on the bill for October 21 to provide information and answer community questions; staff noted that some financial impacts remain uncertain. The board approved its 2026–27 goals and meeting minutes, and approved items on the unanimous-consent agenda; these actions did not include procurement decisions.