RSU 52 administrators propose $300,000 regular-instruction reserve as board trims budget; motion approved to cut $1,100 for transportation apparel

Administrators presented updated figures during a budget work session of the RSU 52/MSAD 52 School Board, saying the revised draft restores a high‑school guidance position and reduces several subscription and furniture lines while proposing to add $200,000 to the district's regular‑instruction reserve for a $300,000 total.

The recommendation from district staff, presented by Carrie, district staff member, came during a March budget workshop where staff said they removed duplicate expenditures, cut a statewide subscription line by $5,456 and reduced furniture and travel lines, producing a net decrease of $14,001.51 from the draft budget. Carrie said, “So right now, we've decreased the budget by $14,001.51.”

Administrators told the board the larger budget question is how much to add to a reserve set up last year to cover unanticipated midyear staffing needs, particularly if federal Title funds are cut or reduced during the school year. The staff recommended adding $200,000 to the account created last year, bringing it from $100,000 to $300,000. Board members asked whether the district should instead add $400,000 or $500,000; staff warned a larger transfer would erode the district's unallocated fund balance and leave less flexibility in coming months.

Why it matters

District staff said the reserve is intended to avoid urgent midyear layoffs or school closures if federal or other grant funds shift during the year. Carrie cautioned that if the store of carryover funds falls too low the district could face legal or practical constraints…