Freeport Middle School Panel Debates Funding for Positions and Science Educator

The RSU 05 Board Meeting held on March 19, 2025, focused on staffing decisions for the upcoming school year, particularly regarding positions at Freeport Middle School. The meeting began with discussions on potential cuts to full-time and part-time positions, with board members weighing the implications of these changes on the school’s educational offerings.

The first significant topic addressed was the potential elimination of a full-time science position. Board members debated the impact of this cut, considering alternatives such as retaining part-time positions that could collectively equal one full-time role. A straw poll was proposed to gauge support for various staffing scenarios, including the possibility of removing the science position while maintaining part-time roles.

As discussions progressed, board member Maura suggested adding back two positions at Freeport Middle School, which led to a straw poll to assess support for this proposal. The results indicated a split opinion among board members, with a 5-5 vote reflecting differing views on the necessity of these positions. Some members expressed concerns about cutting part-time roles, while others were uncertain about reinstating the science educator.

The meeting concluded with a call for further deliberation on the staffing structure, emphasizing the need for a balanced approach that considers both educational quality and budget constraints. The board plans to revisit these discussions in future meetings to finalize staffing decisions for the upcoming school year.