Sanford budget validated by voters; committee approves year-end financials, summer hiring authority and pay schedule

Sanford voters approved the district’s school budget, Superintendent [name withheld in transcript] told the School Committee June 15, and the board approved a set of year-end financial and personnel actions.

The superintendent reported that the validation vote produced 3,615 ballots cast with 2,435 'yes' and 1,117 'no' as read during the meeting; he described the result as roughly a two-to-one margin in favor. After the announcement, the business director (Cheryl Fornier) reviewed the April and May financial statements, explaining timing-driven variances at fiscal year end, grant billing timing, and cost-center highlights. Board members then moved and approved the April and May financials by voice vote.

The committee also voted to authorize the superintendent to offer teaching contracts during June, July and August 2026 for any unfilled positions for the 2026–27 school year to support summer hiring timelines. Mr. Nelson made the motion and the board approved it by voice vote.

Business staff presented a revised substitute pay schedule to comply with an updated minimum-wage floor (including a $5 increase for certain edtech substitute categories); the board approved the new rates. The committee recorded multiple personnel notices (retirements, resignations, summer hires) and approved several first-year probationary teacher nominations.

Board members said the motions were routine year-end items that ensure the district can complete hiring and payroll tasks between regular meetings. The meeting adjourned at 8:07 p.m.