Derry Voters to Decide on $113 Million School Budget and Building Sale

Residents of Derry will cast their votes on March 12, 2024, to determine the fate of a proposed school budget of $113.4 million for the 2026-27 academic year. Alongside the budget, voters will also consider a series of warrant articles, including a $500,000 capital funding request aimed at improving district facilities and the potential sale of the district’s administrative office building located on South Main Street.

The proposed school budget has a default figure set at $113.7 million. School Board Chairman Michael Thiele addressed budget concerns in a recent presentation, noting that various factors outside of the district’s control have influenced the numbers. These include increases in contracted salaries and benefits, rising tuition costs for students attending Pinkerton Academy, and escalating healthcare expenses.

Derry school district’s Business Administrator Jane Simard emphasized that the budget article will directly impact the local tax rate if approved. She estimated that the approval of the budget would result in a tax increase of approximately $1.99 per $1,000 of assessed property value. For a property valued at $500,000, this translates to an estimated annual cost of $995. Simard clarified that these figures could vary based on any changes to assessed valuations or budgeted revenue.

In addition to the budget and warrant articles, voters will elect two new members to the school board. Thiele, an incumbent, is running for another three-year term, while board member Jason MacLeod is not seeking re-election. The candidates vying for the open position include Richard Tripp and David Clapp.

Derry residents will also have the opportunity to select municipal officials, including members of the Town Council. One councilor-at-large position is up for election, with candidates David Milz, Thomas Cardon, and Andrew Barson competing for the seat. Additionally, Daniel Healey is running unopposed for a three-year term as the District 3 councilor.

The town council is scheduled to present and vote on Derry’s town budget later this spring. Polling locations will be open on March 12 from 07:00 to 20:00 across all four voting districts, with voting taking place at Pinkerton Academy’s Hackler gymnasium.