School Board Proposes Cuts to Elementary PE and Adult Education Funding

The MSAD52 Board of Directors meeting on March 12, 2025, focused on significant budgetary decisions impacting elementary physical education and staffing levels across the district. The board proposed reducing elementary physical education classes from two sessions to one per week, a move aimed at reallocating time for increased academic instruction in subjects like math and reading. While this change would not eliminate physical education entirely, it would limit students' access and reduce planning time for teachers.

The discussion highlighted the implications of cutting one physical education teacher, which would necessitate shared teaching responsibilities among remaining staff. This adjustment raises concerns about scheduling and the overall quality of physical education for students in grades K-6.

In addition to the PE changes, the board proposed eliminating an EdTech I position at the high school library and reducing funding for adult education by $25,000. The adult education program has faced financial challenges, with rising costs and stagnant enrollment fees prompting the need for budget adjustments. The board acknowledged that previous reliance on enrichment funds to balance the program's expenses could no longer be sustained.

The meeting also touched on cuts to the athletics budget, which saw a reduction of $8,800 in supplies. Board members expressed concerns about the impact of these cuts on educational quality and the need to explore other areas for potential savings before making reductions that affect direct educational services.

Overall, the board's decisions reflect a balancing act between maintaining educational standards and addressing budget constraints, with further discussions anticipated as they navigate these challenges.