The RSU 22 Budget Meeting held on May 1, 2025, focused on significant changes to the district's social work services and technology funding. The meeting began with a discussion on the elimination of the Acadia Hospital contract, which provided social work services to Hamden Academy and Winterport. The district has decided to hire its own social workers, citing better service delivery despite the higher costs associated with employing licensed clinical social workers (LCSWs). This decision comes after challenges in obtaining consistent services from Acadia, particularly in Winterport, where services have been lacking since November.

The budget proposal includes a $97,000 decrease in guidance services, reflecting the transition away from the Acadia contract. Board members expressed concerns about the financial implications of hiring LCSWs but acknowledged the need for improved student support. The discussion highlighted the potential for increased efficiency and service capacity with in-house staff, as the district's own social workers can see more students compared to those provided under the Acadia contract.

Another key topic was the proposed funding for technology upgrades, specifically projectors for two schools, totaling $62,000. Some board members suggested tabling this expense for the next fiscal year, prioritizing immediate needs like the summer program instead. The sentiment was that with rising tax bills, it would be prudent to delay non-essential expenditures.

The meeting also touched on the hiring timeline for social workers, with plans to post job openings soon to ensure timely recruitment. The board discussed the possibility of group counseling sessions to alleviate the workload on social workers, indicating a collaborative approach to student support.

In conclusion, the RSU 22 Budget Meeting underscored a strategic shift towards in-house social work services, reflecting a commitment to enhancing student support while navigating budgetary constraints. The board's discussions will inform the final budget decisions, with a focus on balancing immediate needs against long-term investments in technology and personnel.