NASHUA – After a contentious but only 40 minute discussion on the meeting rules and budgetary concerns Wednesday night, the Board of Education voted 8 to 1 to approve the proposed budget of $110,329,993. Board member Doris Hohensee was the only “no” vote.

The only change was made last week- a $28,000 reallocation from a mistake in salary to a substitute loyalty program.

The budget is a 3.41 percent increase from last year and includes two additional ELL teachers, another school psychologist, salary increases due to the teacher contracts and eight more kindergarten paraeducators. The budget would also allow for phasing in three of the 10 custodial positions that were cut last year.

Superintendent Jahmal Mosley said when he presented the budget that he believes that this budget is student-focused, addresses the changing population of students and will help bring peace to the district.

Mayor Jim Donchess’ original recommendation to the board was for a 2.1 percent increase, which he later raised to 2.4, still below the budget sent forth.

The goal, Donchess told board members during his visit in February, is to keep the tax increase below 3 percent; last year’s increase was 2.88 percent.

Donchess admitted that while he was sure the school district could undoubtedly use more money, it was still an issue of what the city can afford

The budget moved forward despite earlier discussion from board members who wanted to see changes such as one more ELL teacher, more focus on remedial services in reading and math among other concerns.

Some members were glad to move the budget forward while others were confident that the budget would just find its way back to them very soon.

Hannah LaClaire can be reached at 594-1243 or hlaclaire@nashuatelegraph.com.