Why New London-Spicer Needs This Levy
The Most Pressing Needs
New London-Spicer faces challenges that heavily affect students and classrooms. Rising costs outpace state funding increases. Enrollment declines in younger grades reduce revenue. Staffing adjustments have already been made, and programs have been trimmed. Even after significant reductions, the district still faces gaps that make future cuts likely.
Families and staff already feel the strain:
- Teachers are asked to do more with fewer resources.
- Some class sections have been reduced due to enrollment and staffing shifts.
- Activities and programs face pressure to cut back or consolidate.
- Safety and security improvements compete with basic operational needs.
- Technology, curriculum, and instructional materials stretch further each year.
- Staffing adjustments mean fewer adults supporting students in classrooms and hallways.
These are not abstract challenges — they affect students every day.
New London‑Spicer has worked hard to protect student opportunities while navigating rising costs, declining enrollment in younger grades, and state funding that hasn’t kept pace with inflation. Over the past several years, the district has made nearly $750,000 in budget cuts.
NLS has made nearly $750,000 in budget cuts; including:
'24-'27 School Years
- 3 Teacher FTE Reductions $295,100
- Teacher Attrition $70,400
- Paraprofessional Attrition $46,000
- Administration Attrition $18,420
- At Will Contracts Restructure and Reductions $162,550
- Early Retirement Incentive $60,000
- Youth Courage Retreat Canceling $3,800
- Youth Respect Retreat Canceling $3,650
- Software Nonrenewal $13,200
- Garbage Rebid $1,200
- Surface Salt Rebid $1,500
- Building Budget Reductions $10,000
- Reduce Hockey Shuttle Bus $5,000
- Special Ed Van Route $4,000
- Raise Parking Lot Fees $5,050
- Reduction of SWWC Services $30,000
- Cancel Online Subscriptions $10,000
- Event Worker Reductions $950
- Total Reductions- $740,820
Except for essential adjustments made through the general fund, New London-Spicer has not had a new operating levy in several years. As costs rise and enrollment shifts, the district has reached a point where additional revenue is needed to maintain the programs families count on every day.
What This Levy Helps Protect
The Operating Levy for Learning helps New London-Spicer maintain the programs and supports that define a strong school experience. It helps keep class sizes stable, preserve academic and extracurricular opportunities, and strengthen school safety and security. It reduces the need for future cuts and helps New London-Spicer remain a district of choice in the region.
Our Students Deserve Strong Schools
New London-Spicer students deserve a PreK–12 experience that prepares them for their futures — with programs, opportunities, and support equal to their peers in neighboring districts. This levy helps ensure that New London-Spicer remains a place where students thrive, families feel confident, and the community stays strong.