Clarity in School Spending: Why Accurate Data Matters for New Boston’s Future

Informed Decisions Start with Clear Data.

On Dec. 12, during the New Boston School District FY26 Budget Presentation, the Finance Committee was presented with a 2023 cost per student at NBCS: $16,070.32. We were also shown cost-per-student data for MVMS and GHS; budgeted cost for 2025 and projected cost for 2026 (below).
On Jan. 7, the State of NH posted the 2024 average cost per student for NBCS: $17,937.66.
On Jan. 30, a post indicated that New Boston spends $17,793 per student, though it did not specify the timeframe.

As a leader, I am committed to fostering a culture of transparency. When data is not presented clearly or is outdated, it can mislead rather than inform. Instead, we must rely on current figures and realistic projections.

A More Complete View: Estimated Cost Per Student for New Boston Central School (Following NH State Methodology):

2025: $20,657 (based on 2025 budget and year 1 of the New Boston Support Staff CBA)
2026: $22,983 (based on 2026 proposed budget and year 1 of of the Teacher CBA)
2027: $24,865 (based on flat 2026 YOY budget, years 1 & 2 of the Teacher CBA and year 3 of the New Boston Support Staff CBA)

MVMS & GHS Budget and Projected Cost Per Student (Data Presented to Finance Committee):

2025: MVMS - $16,919 | GHS - $17,587
2026: MVMS - $16,667 | GHS - $17,485

Approximated Average Cost Per Student in New Boston (Including Enrollment Data):

2025: $18,953
2026: $19,875

Residents and the School Board deserve clarity. Accurate, real-time data is critical to making the best decisions for our students and community. I support passing the CBA Warrant Article for our teachers, but we must also take a proactive approach in planning for the 2027 budget. If elected, I will work to ensure transparency to enable informed decisions that balance educational excellence and fiscal responsibility.

#Transparency #StrongSchools #SmartInvestments #FiscalResponsibility #NewBoston