001Hello, my name is Ryan McCleskkey, principal of Lincoln Street School, and I am Beth Katarat, the principal at Main Street School, as well as the Exit Developmental Preschool. >> In this short video, you will learn about some of the amazing things happening in our schools, as well as information on the upcoming budget and how to vote. You'll also hear from some of the voices from our schools that tell about what a special place our schools are for both our students and our caregivers. Hi, I'm Jenny Rose. Lincoln [music] Street School is amazing. I get to join Peacemakers drama club, band, and chorus and girls on the run. My favorite memory from the three years at Lincoln Street [music] School has been the chance to meet new people and make new friends each year. I like
002Main Street School because I have good friends like Tommy and the teachers are really nice. All right. So, we are here highlighting our hydroponic station [music] where our students, kindergarten, first and second grade students get to grow things as part of [music] our steam program. Hey guys, can you share what kinds of things we grow in our hydroponic station? >> Rosemary, [music] um, basil and cucumbers. [music] And our cucumbers, our second graders actually turn them into >> pickles. Main Street School is really special to me because, well, I get taught a lot each day and [music] good friends just make good memories. Hi, my name is Callum L. Lincoln Street [music] School is a really special place where I feel like I belong. I get to participate [music] in the student council baggetting band and
003green team. And we have some amazing teachers who support us every day. Hi, I'm [music] Chrissy Bailey and I have three children who have gone through the extra elementary schools and two who are currently here. And [music] as a parent and also as an ex-president of the PTO, I can say that what makes Main Street School and Lincoln Street School so special is definitely its teachers and staff. They are incredible [music] and they go above and beyond to support their students both academically and um outside of the classroom, whether it be with their friendships out on the [music] playground, what's happening in their family life. They want to make sure that their students [music] really feel safe, happy, healthy, and supported at school and beyond. At Lincoln Street School, we are very proud of our
004students academic growth. These scores reflect the hard work of our teachers at Main Street School as well as the exit day school. Our state assessment scores are routinely well above the state average. In fact, Lincoln Street School was one of nine schools recognized by the New Hampshire Department of Education for outstanding growth, specifically in the area of science. During the 2425 school year, 72% of Lincoln Street School students scored proficient or higher in math, which is 24% above the state average. 70% of Lincoln Street School students scored proficient or higher in English language arts, which is 17% above the state average. and 63% of Lincoln Street School students scored proficient or higher in science, 25% above the state average. We want to highlight some of the work happening each and every day in our schools
005to meet the needs of all students. We provide a consistent high quality experience in reading and math for all students across the district. This ensures that every child is exposed to essential skills and a common instructional language from grade to grade. It also strengthens collaboration among our teachers who are able to work together and grow through districtup supported professional development. Wind time stands for what I need is a dedicated block in the school schedule designed for personalized learning. During this time, students are grouped to receive full tailored support to their specific needs. From extra help on skills to extended learning opportunities, helping every student succeed together. These efforts reflect the meaningful student- centered work happening every day in our schools. Work that deserves our community's continued support. We also have a very supportive and active
006parent teacher organization. Our PTO organizes fun and exciting annual events for our staff and caregivers, including our Get Fit in May fun runs, glow parties, and a movie night. These activities are designed to support community and keep our kids active and engaged with each other and our schools. During the budget drafting process, school leaders from the Exit School District worked hard to present the school board with a fiscally responsible budget for the school year 2026 2027. Please note in our chart that the majority of increases reflect fixed non-negotiable costs, including health and dental insurance, required student services, maintaining highquality staff, and facility upgrades. Please also note the certified staff have negotiated a new contract to begin in July of 2026 which will be in a separate warrant article from the proposed operating budget. As part
007of the proposed 2026 2027 budget, the exit school district has added $428,355 to the total appropriation to cover the cost of school meals for the year. The goal is to ensure that every student has consistent access to healthy meals each school day, supporting student well-being and readiness to learn. In New Hampshire, public schools are funded through a mix of state aid and local property taxes, but state adequacy funding does not cover the real cost of educating students. The Supreme Court recently confirmed it's too low. Around $7,356 per student would be more realistic minimum, [clears throat] but the legislature hasn't acted. Right now, the base grant is in the low 4,000s with extra funds for special education and other needs. Because state funding falls short, local property taxes cover most of the difference. including about 83%
008of special education costs which are legally required and tailored to each student. This slide shows the change from the current school year to the proposed FY27 budget for the 2627 school year. The principal described the changes in the operating budget which consists of the general fund and food service fund. title, IDEIDA, and other grants were previously appropriated as part of the SAU budget. However, as the school district is the legal owner of the grants, the appropriation is being moved to reflect that. When the voters go to the ballot boxes, they will have a choice between the proposed budget we have just presented and the default budget. The default is the prior year budget plus or minus any contractual or mandatory obligations required by law or one-time expenditures in the prior year budget. In closing, thank
009you for taking the time to watch and for hearing the voices that make the exit school district such a special place. We hope this gives you a glimpse of the great work happening in our schools and the importance of your support as we move forward with the budgeting process. Please keep these important dates in mind. The public hearing on the budget will happen on Tuesday, January 13th at 6:00 p.m. in the Lincoln Street School cafeteria. The deliberative session will happen on Tuesday, February 3rd at 6:00 p.m. in the Lincoln Street School cafeteria. Voting day in exit will happen on Tuesday, March 10th in the Talbot gym. It's a great day to be a junior blue hog, >> folks.