“Education is the premise of progress in every society, in every family.”— Kofi Annan
In Brunswick, the arrival of spring doesn’t just bring longer days and warmer weather. It also signals school budget season — the time of year when our community takes a close look at the investments that shape our future.
One of the most significant parts of Brunswick’s municipal budget is the Brunswick School Department. That should come as no surprise. Providing a high-quality education to 2,391 students requires dedicated educators, safe and well-maintained buildings, reliable transportation, and the resources that support learning every day.
The School Board this week approved a budget that will now move to the Brunswick Town Council for review. This proposal reflects careful prioritization and continues to support a high-quality education for our students while also making difficult decisions, including the elimination of eight district staff positions.
This marks the second consecutive year of significant staff reductions. While we have worked to minimize the impact on students, this approach is not sustainable in the long term. Continued reductions would require a broader community discussion about the type and scope of school system we want to provide for Brunswick’s students.
The proposed budget represents a year-over-year increase of 6.03%, with an estimated tax impact of 2.89%. We look forward to working with the Town Council and the community in the weeks ahead as the budget review process continues.
Like most organizations, a large portion of the school budget goes toward people — the teachers, specialists, and staff who support our students. Other necessary costs include health insurance and benefits, building operations, utilities, transportation, and federally required programs such as special education.
This year’s budget also includes investments in maintaining our facilities and grounds, as well as improvements to safety and security systems that help ensure our schools remain safe places for students and staff. From classroom materials to walkway repairs to modernizing security systems, each expense is carefully considered. Our goal is always the same: maintain an exceptional educational experience while remaining responsible stewards of the tax dollars entrusted to us.
While budgets may seem like spreadsheets filled with numbers, the impact of a strong school system goes far beyond a balance sheet.
Research consistently shows that communities with strong schools benefit in many ways. One of the most tangible benefits is the protection of property values. Families looking to buy homes often prioritize high-performing schools, and communities known for strong education systems tend to see stronger housing demand and more stable property values.
According to the Brookings Institution, school quality plays a significant role in where families choose to live. Similarly, a report from the National Association of Realtors found that more than half of homebuyers with school-age children consider school district quality an important factor when purchasing a home. When families choose communities with strong schools, it strengthens the local tax base and supports long-term economic stability.
But the benefits of strong schools extend beyond families with children currently in the classroom.
Our schools are gathering places for the entire community. Residents come together to enjoy theater productions, concerts, art shows, and athletic competitions. We even have community members using our outdoor classrooms on the weekends for celebrations, and the fact is that school events create shared experiences that build pride and connection throughout Brunswick.
Strong schools also help maintain a healthy tax base. When communities lose families because schools decline, the tax burden is spread among fewer residents. Maintaining strong schools helps keep Brunswick an attractive place to live for people at every stage of life.
I am proud that the Brunswick School Department continues to provide excellent educational opportunities for our students while managing resources thoughtfully and responsibly. Just as importantly, our schools help keep Brunswick vibrant, stable, and welcoming to future generations.
A strong school system doesn’t just educate children. It strengthens an entire community.
Upcoming Dates:
April 13, 2026 – School Board Budget Presentation to the Town Council
April 27, 2026 – Town Council Budget & CIP Public Hearing
May 11, 2026 – Town Council CIP Workshop
May 18, 2026 – Town Council Budget/CIP Adoption
June 9, 2026 – School Budget Referendum / Election Day
Your participation is an important part of the process, and we appreciate your continued support of our schools.
