Camden Academy Board Approves Policies and Fiscal Year 2026 Budget

The RSU 22 School Board convened on May 21, 2025, to discuss several key policies and administrative matters that will shape the district's governance and educational framework. The meeting highlighted the board's commitment to refining its policies and ensuring effective management of resources.

One of the primary discussions centered around the approval of various policies during their first and second readings. The board unanimously approved the first reading of policy BBBE, which addresses unexpired term fulfillment for board members, and subsequently moved to delete policy BBBC, which was deemed redundant. Additionally, the board approved the first reading of the updated policy BCA, which outlines the code of ethics for board members, and policy BDD, which clarifies the relationship between the board and the superintendent.

In the second reading, the board reaffirmed its commitment to non-discrimination and equal opportunity by approving policy AC without changes. They also updated the titles of policies ACAB and ACAA to better reflect their focus on harassment, ensuring clarity in the district's stance against such behaviors.

The meeting also addressed the 2025-26 school calendar, which included a minor adjustment to the early dismissal day in December. The board unanimously approved the revised calendar, demonstrating their responsiveness to community needs.

A significant highlight was the donation of 12 Panasonic Toughbooks from the Maine State Police to Camden Academy's technology education program. This partnership underscores the district's efforts to enhance educational resources, particularly in technology and robotics.

The board also reviewed administrative contracts for the upcoming school year, ensuring competitive salaries for administrators. They moved forward with the approval of personnel transitioning from probationary to continuing contracts, reflecting the board's commitment to supporting staff development.

Finally, the board approved the fiscal year 2026 budget, which reflects a 4.53% increase, primarily due to rising costs associated with technology and personnel. The total budget stands at $40,783,924.15, indicating the district's ongoing investment in educational quality and resources.

As the meeting concluded, the board emphasized the importance of full participation in the upcoming district budget meeting, scheduled for June 5, 2025, to foster transparency and community engagement in the budget process. The discussions and decisions made during this meeting are poised to have lasting impacts on the district's educational environment and governance.