Exeter School leaders outline 2026–27 budget, cite state funding shortfall and set hearing, voting dates

Ryan McCleskey, principal of Lincoln Street School, and Beth Cadarette, principal of Main Street School and Exeter Developmental Preschool, said the Exeter School District has prepared a fiscally responsible proposed operating budget for the 2026–27 school year and urged community support.

The presentation said most budget increases reflect fixed, nonnegotiable costs such as health and dental insurance, required student services, maintaining staff, and facility upgrades. McCleskey added that certified staff negotiated a new contract that will begin in July 2026 and will appear as a separate warrant article from the proposed operating budget.

Cadarette placed the local proposal in the context of New Hampshire school funding, saying state adequacy funding "does not cover the real cost of educating students." She said "around $7,356 per student would be a more realistic minimum," and that the current base grant is in "the low 4 thousands." Cadarette also stated that because state funding falls short, local property taxes cover most of the difference and she said local taxpayers bear about 83% of special education costs, which are legally required and tailored to each student. The video includes the statement that "The Supreme Court recently confirmed it's too low," without specifying which court or decision.

Key upcoming dates announced in the video: a public hearing on the budget on Tuesday, Jan. 13 at 6 p.m. in the Lincoln Street School cafeteria; the deliberative session on Tuesday, Feb. 3 at 6 p.m. in the Lincoln Street School cafeteria; and voting day in Exeter on Tuesday, March 10 in the Talbot Gym.

No formal motions or votes were recorded in the video; presenters described the proposed operating budget and the separate warrant article for the staff contract. The district encouraged public attendance at the hearing and participation in the March 10 vote.