NEWPORT — The North Country Union High School Board met last week to review budget planning and staffing changes for the upcoming fiscal year.
Principal Chris Young presented three FY26 budget options: maintaining services through staff attrition, implementing targeted position reductions, or eliminating 10-13 teaching positions and certain programs. Superintendent Elaine Collins recommended waiting for state funding information before making major decisions.
The North Country Career Center, serving 480 students annually, faces an 8.97% budget increase primarily due to personnel costs. Director Gwen Bailey-Rowe presented options including keeping a teaching assistant position grant-funded to reduce the increase to 8.15%.
The board accepted Athletic Director Phil Joyal’s resignation. Principal Young will serve as interim AD while reviewing 11 candidates for the position. A hiring committee has been formed. Interviews will begin after Thanksgiving, though the selected candidate may not be available until spring.
Teachers reported increased parent conference participation, with parents appreciating staff efforts during temporary tent classroom arrangements due to PCB mitigation. The district is working to recover over $50,000 in related HVAC repair costs.
The next board meeting, scheduled for December 17 at 6:30 p.m. in the junior high school library, will include a 30-45 minute public budget forum.
