The Manchester School District could be forced to cut nearly $16 million from its budget. School committee members say several factors are driving the potential cuts, including rising health care costs and what they describe as inadequate funding. Manchester Mayor Jay Ruais said he anticipated a difficult budget year but noted it’s still unclear whether cuts will be made.

Superintendent Jennifer Chimel outlined three different budget scenarios. The first is a tax-cap compliant budget of $235.5 million, which would require nearly $16 million in cuts. The second is a $251.4 million baseline budget above the tax cap, which would not allow additions or reductions. The last is a fully funded budget that would allow for additions to staff and operations.

A public hearing on the proposed school budget is scheduled for Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. at Manchester City Hall.