Manchester Essex School Committee Backs 3.5 Percent Budget, Debates Override Messaging

ESSEX — April 7, 2026 — Manchester Essex School Committee backs 3.5 percent FY27 budget and debates how to communicate ahead of Essex's May 4 override vote. The committee reached informal consensus Tuesday not to publish a list of potential program cuts before the vote, with Superintendent Pam Bevan arguing the small size of the override — roughly $187,000 for schools — and strong prior-year support justified a wait-and-see posture. Committee member Lori Beckwith pushed back, arguing voters "need to know" the consequences: failure of the Essex override could require up to $487,000 in school cuts given the district's reserve structure. Finance Director Michelle Lapierre reported snow removal costs this year reached approximately $120,000 against a typical $50,000-to-$70,000 budget, and separately said three vendors including current contractor Salter are competing for the district's bus contract, with a state electric-bus program also under evaluation at no added cost. The School Building Committee is set to receive first-look cost estimates on its five elementary school design options April 14, with a vote on a preferred schematic design targeted for April 16 to meet an MSBA deadline.