Select Board — March 5, 2026
While the Board was unified in its voting, there was palpable friction during public comment regarding school budget growth and democratic participation.
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At the March 5 Select Board meeting, significant concerns were raised regarding the financial trajectory of the Andover School District. Residents pointed out that the school budget has increased by approximately 36% over the last five years, despite the district serving a relatively small student population of 232.
When these fiscal concerns were brought forward, the Board’s response was to clarify that the school district is a separate governmental entity from the Select Board. While legally accurate, this response does not address the underlying community concern regarding the rapid escalation of costs and the resulting impact on Andover taxpayers.
Additionally, Chief Barton of the Andover Fire Department reported potential discrepancies in the documentation and filing of boundary and authority documents stemming from the 2016–2017 consolidation. This could impact jurisdictional clarity for the Fire District. The Board has directed legal counsel to review the documentation and seek clarification.
As these issues evolve—particularly the school budget growth and the fire district's legal standing—it is vital that residents continue to demand specific answers regarding how our town's resources are managed.
Public impact
Approximately 36% increase over the last five years.
Topics discussed
The Board reviewed and approved the minutes from the February 19, 2026, meeting.
Discussions included the necessity of recording signed documents in minutes, concerns regarding the Andover School District budget and student enrollment, and concerns about school board public comment limits.
Chief Barton reported potential discrepancies in the documentation and filing of boundary and authority documents following the 2016–2017 consolidation with the East Andover precinct.
Jeremy Cornell provided updates on equipment repairs (dump truck and welder), seasonal road weight postings, bridge conditions (Elbow Pond and Bradley Lake), and material shortages for road maintenance.
The Town is awaiting tree-clearing permits and engineering RFQ responses for the bridge project.
The Board reviewed a revised policy that replaces a fixed three-inch plowing threshold with a decision-making process based on accumulation rates and conditions.
The Board reviewed a new rules of use and conduct policy to address conflicts between staff and facility users.
Controversy & dissent
Potentially controversial issues
Andover School District Budget Growth
Fire District Boundary and Authority Documentation
Community vs. board tension
Public comment
Decisions logged
Action items
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