Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Budget Legal Services topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Employee association cautions MSAD 51 over proposed legal-services budget; suggests reallocating to classroom positions
Summary
The MSAD 51 Employee Association president urged trustees to reconsider a proposed $200,000 legal-services line in next year's budget, comparing it to smaller amounts in neighboring districts and suggesting funds be used to hire a new teacher.
The MSAD 51 Employee Association president told the board Thursday he was concerned the district's draft budget proposes roughly $200,000 for legal services next year and urged trustees to consider redirecting some of those funds toward classroom positions.
Graham Shope said the $200,000 figure is more than double what neighboring districts were budgeting: he cited Yarmouth at $62,000, Falmouth at $75,000 and Freeport at $20,000. "If you've been around long enough you know this district has a reputation for using litigation as a first, second, and third choice when faced with conflict," Shope said.
Shope argued heavy legal spending can produce secrecy and deter inclusive problem-solving because administrators prepare for litigation by limiting communications and centralizing decision making. He urged the board to consider hiring a new middle-school teacher as an alternative use of funds, estimating the cost of a new teaching position at about $105,000.
Board members thanked Shope for the input; finance committee members present described ongoing public outreach as part of the budget process. The board did not vote on legal-service funding at the meeting; budget committee timelines were reiterated, including a district budget hearing and the board's upcoming vote on the budget.
