A note from the business office:
Taxes increased significantly due to many reasons including the withdrawal of Mason, the start of kindergarten, the withdrawal from SAU63 and the new funding to bring our schools up to safety regulations as required by the state fire marshal. As a resident of New Ipswich myself, I share your concerns about the tax increase and assure you that the school district is seeking ways to make the tax impact as minimal as possible for next year.
In response to the recent conversation in the press regarding state building aid, I would like to re-state that our 53% building aid is still intact. And our preliminary application has already been approved by the state. We also have submitted the application for the Qualified School Construction Bond (QSCB - the 0% financing). The state of New Hampshire is well aware of our situation and need for this funding.
As you recall, the Somersworth District was granted the QSCB in 2009 however in recent months they have chosen another financing strategy. The change was due in part to three reasons: the 0% bond was to be sold with a small coupon (about 1.5%); the QSCB required Davis Bacon Act wages; and interest on other financing options had declined. The Mascenic school district and building committee are learning from Somersworth, reviewing the cost impact of the Davis Bacon Act and researching other financing opportunities that will best benefit the tax payers. At this point, we continue to aggressively pursue the QSCB.
