School Board Considers Cuts to Science Electives Amid Budget Discussions

The MSAD52 Board of Directors made significant decisions during their April 11, 2025, meeting, particularly regarding elective courses and staffing for the upcoming school year. The board announced that several electives, including a forestry class, will not be offered due to low enrollment and staffing challenges. Instead of running three sections of the "Exploring River Valley" course, only two will be available, and the "Foundations of Engineering" class will also see a reduction from three sections to two. The forensics class will be cut from two sections to one.

The discussions highlighted the need for careful consideration of staffing positions, particularly in light of an incoming class of 180 ninth graders and 160 eighth graders. The board is contemplating whether to fill a currently unfilled teaching position, which could impact the availability of science electives. Some board members expressed concerns about cutting direct educational roles, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a robust curriculum for students.

Board member Crystal voiced her desire to reinstate the forestry elective, arguing for its educational value and the potential benefits it could provide to students. Other members echoed her sentiments, suggesting that the decision to cut the position could hinder the district's educational offerings.

The board also discussed the overall budget implications of these cuts, with a focus on keeping tax increases manageable for the community. The proposed budget reflects an overall increase of 7.99%, with specific increases for each town in the district. The board is weighing the potential impact of these decisions on both the quality of education and the financial burden on local taxpayers.

As the board moves forward, they will continue to evaluate staffing needs and course offerings, aiming to strike a balance between fiscal responsibility and providing quality education to students in the district. The next steps will involve further discussions on the budget and potential adjustments based on community feedback and enrollment numbers.