TAMWORTH — Rising school costs in SAU 13 have prompted concern among a Tamworth taxpayers group which is organizing meetings in January and February and holding online discussions questioning the size and impact of the proposed 2026-27 school budget.
SAU 13 serves the towns of Tamworth, Madison and Freedom. Tamworth students attend Kenneth A. Brett School through eighth grade, while most high school students go to Kennett High School in North Conway.
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