Fiscal 2024 Budget Season Has Begun!

December marks the start of the Fiscal Year 2024 budget season.

The MERSD School Committee and Administration are committed to a transparent, open, and informed budget development process.  In keeping with that commitment, this article is the first in a series designed to assist the communities of Essex and Manchester in learning more about MERSD and understanding the Regional School District budget process.  Throughout each budget season, we work cooperatively with the Boards of Selectman and Finance in both Essex and Manchester to provide one another with ongoing progress reports on our planning process and outlook. This year, we will, again, continue this very successful approach.

During the next few months, a great deal of our time and energy will be focused on the dollars and cents of the balance sheet.  What is important to keep in mind is that the balance sheet supports our goals of maintaining services, improving student achievement, and pursuing our strategic priorities.

The MERSD School Committee will meet on Tuesday, December 6^th at 6:00pm to discuss and approve its tentative budget.  This will be followed by a public budget hearing on Wednesday, December 14th at 7:00 at the MERMHS Library.  This event is meant to provide the community with an opportunity to learn and ask questions about our proposed budget for FY24. 

Please visit our Finance & Operations page for information about our budget process, a complete budget season calendar, and a link to our strategic plan which outlines the work going on in the district. 

How To Participate and Learn More

Public comment is welcome at the beginning of working meetings of the School Committee.

Two Key Meetings will take place in December

MERSD School Committee Meeting

December 6^th @ 6:00pm (MERMHS Learning Commons & WebEx)

Presentation of the Tentative Budget to the School Committee 

Public Hearing on the Tentative Budget

December 14^th @ 7:00pm (MERMHS Learning Commons & Webex)

Presentation of the Tentative Budget followed by public input. This is an opportunity for the community to learn, ask questions, and provide feedback about our proposed budget for FY24.

If you have a specific comment or question related to the budget process, please reach out to a member of the MERSD Administration or a School Committee member. Comments and questions may be submitted to: budget@mersd.org

Thank you for your interest in and support of our Schools!