City Council

CITY OF BERLIN New Hampshire Minutes of Council School Budget Session of 3/10/2025 City Hall Council Chambers 6:30 pm Members: Mayor Cone Councilor Grenier Councilor Morency Councilor Korzen Councilor Higbee Councilor Qualls Councilor Theberge Councilor Valerino City Staff: Phillip Warren, Jr, City Manager Holly Larsen, Finance Director Shelli Fortin, City Clerk School Board, Administration and Staff: Superintendent Julie King District Education Services Administrator Tammy Fauteux Business Administrator Evan Arsenault School Board Member Matt Buteau School Board Chair Ann Nolin School Board Member Nathan Morin School Board Member Mark Evans Jesse Arsenault, Assistant Principal, BHS Danielle Demers, CTE Director Andy Rancloes, Principal, BHS Cynthia Pike, Assistant Principal, BES Anthony Valliere, Assistant Principal, BMS Jason Hook, Special Education Director Lisa Connell, Berlin Daily Sun Other members of the public At 6:30 p.m. Mayor Cone opened the Work Session. Councilor Grenier moved, with a second by Councilor Morency to enter into non-public session pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II (a) - The dismissal, promotion, or compensation of any public employee. Roll call vote Theberge -yes, Valerino- yes, Grenier- yes, Morency- yes, Korzen- yes, Qualls- yes, Higbee- yes, Cone- yes. Non-public began at 6:31 A discussion was held on an employee matter. No votes were taken. Councilor Grenier moved, with a second by Valerino to adjourn the non-public session and return to open session. Roll call vote Theberge -yes, Valerino- yes, Grenier- yes, Morency- yes, Korzen- yes, Qualls- yes, Higbee- yes, Cone- yes. Non-public adjourned at 6:41 pm. FY2026 Budget – Board of Education Superintendent King referred to the District Report Card, which focuses on areas for growth, and provides transparency for the public to see where they are at, what their strengths are, and what areas need improvement. Copies of the Budget Request and the Facility Condition Assessment of Berlin Public Schools were provided. Ms. King advised that they are currently training new staff at the central office and that, like many organizations, they have struggled with work force issues this year. Ms. King noted several positions that are still open at the school. Ms. King advised that Covid funds ended on September 30 of last year and they were able to complete many projects with these additional funds, including student needs, special education services, and instructional programming. Ms. King reviewed improvements to the facilities, which included technology, a school bus, roof, HVAC, and playground equipment. Ms. King advised that $37,000 of the Covid funds were used toward student lunch debt, as many families are struggling. Ms. King noted that the administration and Board are always looking for ways to cut costs without sacrificing education, such as changing the health insurance waiver system and hiring their own Occupational Therapist, and they actively look for available grant funds. They have discussed solar energy, however there are currently no grants available to assist with this. Ms. King advised that NH has changed Medicaid reimbursements, and that she has attended trainings on the new requirements. They are looking to reduce out-of-district placement costs, and have scheduled a meeting with the NH Department of Education, to look at options to create their own programming. Ms. King stated that there is a constant flurry of state and federal changes, and they are trying to stay compliant. This year there were 1,132 bills introduced in the NH legislature concerning education, with 250 of them having a direct impact on schools. Ms. King suggested that the community discuss what our values are for our student’s education, as if the standards are reduced, we need to think about what is important. Councilor Grenier shared his frustration with the bill that wanted to dumb down education in NH, stated that the state does not want to pay, and this will lead to students who are less competitive in the job market because they are not as well educated. Councilor Grenier noted he will fight to be sure the state does not dumb down the standards. Ms. King noted that 57 students in Berlin receive school vouchers, which reduces the amount that the public education system receives. They also have 180 students on the home education list. Councilor Morency asked why there was such a push for the Education Freedom Accounts, and Ms. King stated that other areas in the state have more options for private schools with a focus on student interests or offer more Advanced Placement courses. Ms. King also suggested that some students don’t feel they fit in, and prefer schools with a smaller environment such as the ELC or Charter Academy, which are more versatile. In reviewing the FY2026 budget, Ms. King advised that the budget request is $25,081,411.00, which is an increase of $1,530,470.00 or 6.5%. Ms. King noted that revenues are also expected to increase to $14,330,796.00, or 6.58%, which leaves a difference of $654,644.00, which would be the increase to taxpayers. Ms. King assured the Council that they are looking at their procedures and programs to reduce as much as they can. On the Expenditure Summary Report, Ms. King noted that salaries and benefits is the largest part of the increase. Ms. King also noted that the School Resource Officer will no longer be funded by a grant, so this cost is added to the budget. Ms. King stated that the SRO position is an instrumental service and she would hate to lose it. In reviewing the budget line items, Ms. King stated that some lines show large increases which were previously funded with Covid funds, such as Maintenance Supplies and Books. Ms. King noted that they have cut most of the Capital Improvement items, just leaving the asbestos abatement and utility truck replacement. Ms. King noted that there are lots of projects to be done, but she understands where we are as a City right now, and these things will need to be addressed at a later time. Ms. King provided information on how Adequacy Aid is determined. Ms. King noted that students who are homeschooled are allowed to come to programs at the school, however the State will now reimburse per course that they attend. Ms. King provided the FY26 Estimated Revenues. Councilor Grenier asked about special education revenues, and Ms. King advised they are based on the DOE numbers as of October 1. Ms. King advised that the budget is not level funded, but is level service as they have not added anything new. They have made cuts where they can without impacting programs. Any more cuts would impact student programs. Councilor Korzen asked about out-of-district placements, and Ms. King advised that some are special education placements and some are for behavioral needs. Some of these are recommended by the IEP team, and some are court ordered. Ms. King provided a list of the projected placements, of which eight are court ordered and 18 are by the IEP team. Ms. King advised that some of the cost is reimbursed by Medicaid, and some costs are covered by the State, as the court ordered tuition is capped. When asked about providing these services on our own, Ms. King stated that it may not be cost effective with such a small student population. Ms. King advised they have had discussions with SAU20 and others about this concern. Councilor Grenier noted that despite the financial constraints, he believes Berlin delivers a superior education for the students who want it. Councilor Grenier noted that education begins at home, and parents need to take an active role. Councilor Grenier stated he is proud of our school system and urged the public to read the District Report Card. Councilor Korzen stated that when they look at scores they are not on top, however 90% of finding a solution is defining the problem, and they can put more emphasis on improving in those areas. Councilor Korzen noted a difference in numbers for the total budget, and was advised that it is gross expenditure and revenues. The food service grants are included in one number, but this is paid by grants. Councilor Korzen asked about the base state aid of $4,000 per student. Ms. King advised that other amounts are added for students on free and reduced lunch, special education, and English language learners. Councilor Grenier asked about the 180 students on the homeschool list. Ms. King advised that they try to keep the list updated, as the district is supposed to be notified when a student moves or reaches the age of 18, however they don’t always do this. Ms. King advised this number is not accurate, but is the best estimate based on the information they have. When asked if all of these students are receiving the school vouchers, Ms. King advised they are not. Currently, 57 students are receiving the vouchers. Ms. King advised there is no accountability for homeschooling, and Councilor Grenier expressed concern over people receiving public money with zero accountability. Councilor Korzen asked if there was a way to report families that are receiving money for schooling their children who are not, and Ms. King advised that the State Department of Education could be contacted with concerns. Ms. King advised that the vouchers can be used toward private schools as well, such as Salve Regina Academy and the Community Bible Academy. Councilor Theberge stated that they will do all they possibly can to be sure our school is a model one, and noted the current rhetoric about doing away with the Department of Education and Medicaid, which would have a big impact moving forward. Ms. King advised that she has not seen any plan concerning the dismantling of the DOE, however assumes that the NH DOE will send information on this, and that federal grants may be given directly to the states to distribute. Councilor Theberge asked about graduation, and how many students did not receive their diplomas last year. Ms. King advised there were two students last year. Councilor Theberge also asked if there was an exit exam required for graduation, and Ms. King advised that NH does not work that way, however students must meet competency to move on to the next level of learning. Councilor Theberge asked how you measure success and Ms. King responded that there are many ways to do this, for example academic and social. Councilor Theberge stated that when he was teaching college courses, he found that students from this area were prepared for college. Councilor Theberge asked if there was a dress code for staff at the school, and Ms. King advised that there is. Councilor Theberge stated that per RSA 266:39, strobe lights are required on all school buses for safety, and not all buses in Berlin have them. Councilor Theberge stated that he appreciates the work the school is doing. On a motion by Councilor Grenier, seconded by Councilor Morency, the meeting was adjourned at 8:07 pm. Respectfully Submitted by Shelli Fortin Note: Minutes are unofficial until they have been accepted by the Council by motion.