← Gorham Guardian · All findings
Severity: elevated · Category: staffing · Last updated: Feb 27, 2026 · Dollar amount: $332K
The brochure shows 1.5 new full-time equivalent at Gorham High School (~$142K, budget book p.63). But in Q&A Q16 (originally Q12), the Superintendent disclosed a four-position, two-year plan: Health/PE was deliberately deferred despite a 429:1 ratio, and FY28 adds an estimated ~$190K more — not yet budgeted or voted on.
FY27 budget (documented, voted on): • Social Studies 1.0 full-time equivalent ($95K) + World Languages 0.5 full-time equivalent ($47.5K) = ~$142,500 • Budget Book p.63 Gorham High School Narrative
Q&A Q16 (originally numbered Q12) disclosed a four-position, two-year plan (FY28 portion NOT yet budgeted or voted on): • Health/PE 1.0 full-time equivalent (~$95K est.) + English 1.0 full-time equivalent (~$95K est.) = ~$190,000 estimated • Math teacher — Year 2-3, timing TBD
Superintendent's Q16 statement: 'We didn't want to wait and request all of them in one year.' Health/PE was specifically deferred despite the Gorham High School principal's recommendation — current ratio: 429:1. FY28 costs have no budget authorization.
~$190,000 in FY28 costs implied; Health/PE at 429:1 still deferred by Supt.
Document: Budget Workshop Q&A + FY27 Budget Book
Reference: Q&A Question 16 (originally Q12) · Budget Book p.61 — Gorham High School Summary · p.63 — Gorham High School Narrative (2.5 full-time equivalent proposal)
Q&A: School Committee Q&A Document (gorhamschools.org) — Q16 (was Q12 in the February Q&A)
Asked: Q16 (originally Q12): Under the Gorham High School budget narrative (pg. 63), it states the proposal of 2.5 full-time equivalent. I only see narratives for Social Studies and World Languages. Is the Health teacher no longer being requested?
District answer: The district disclosed the full four-position, two-year plan: FY27 adds Social Studies + 0.5 World Languages. FY28 plans to add Health/PE + English. The Superintendent confirmed: 'We didn't want to wait and request all of them in one year.' In year 2 or 3, a math teacher will also be needed.
Analyst note: The district answered fully when asked — credit where due. However, the answer confirms the concern: the Superintendent chose to defer Health/PE (429:1 ratio) and the brochure voters read did not disclose that FY28 already has $190K in anticipated costs. The public voted on FY27 without knowing a four-position plan is already in motion. This is a textbook example of cost-deferral budgeting: deliberately underfund Year 1 to reduce the visible cost voters see, then add the deferred costs in Year 2 when they are no longer subject to a referendum vote. The technique makes each individual year's…