Freeport residents voice concerns over school budget cuts at RSU 5 meeting

Public comments dominated the recent RSU 5 Board meeting, highlighting community concerns over school staffing and budget management. Daniel Freund, a Freeport resident, urged the board to explore potential savings in health insurance costs, suggesting that $2.4 million could have been saved over the past three years. He called for a meeting to discuss these savings further, emphasizing the importance of taxpayer relief.

Another resident, Charlie Henshall, praised the board's transparency and collaborative approach, particularly commending board member Pillsbury for her testimony in support of legislation aimed at protecting minors from doxing. Henshall noted that no opposition was heard during the public hearing, reflecting strong community support for the bill.

Valerie Williams, a parent, raised alarms about proposed staffing cuts at Freeport Middle School, particularly in science and support roles. She argued that such cuts would be detrimental, especially following the pandemic's impact on children's education. Williams stressed the critical need for robust science education and support staff to aid students' recovery from the pandemic's effects.

The meeting also included updates on the superintendent's proposed budget for the upcoming year, with discussions on various committee reports and ongoing projects. The board is expected to continue deliberating on these budgetary matters in the coming weeks, with community input playing a crucial role in shaping decisions.