RSU 40/MSAD 40 administrators told the school board on May 5 that uncertainty about federal formula grants has left district leaders without firm revenue figures as they prepare a budget, and that the food service program could face a gap of more than $1 million if federal and state funding does not materialize.

Business manager (unnamed) told the board the district budget meeting is scheduled for May 13 at 6:30 p.m. in the Monoma Valley High School auditorium and said the district "continues to monitor federal grant funding." The manager told the board "locally paid is only 55,000 of the over million dollar budget," and noted the district would be short "more than a million dollars if we don't get any federal... state funding for that."

Why it matters: federal formula money — including ESEA/title programs — supports staff and services in classrooms and funds meals; a sustained drop or delayed notification of funds would force program cuts or use of reserves.

In an administrator report, Tom said the district has no new figures for federal titles and described the timing as unprecedented: "This is the latest that we have ever been with no indication of how much money is coming to schools from federal titles." He told the board that, by law, the district must develop and publish a plan showing goals for title funding and provide a public comment period; he said staff plan to present that in early June and estimate amounts if final federal numbers are not released.

Discussion only: board members asked questions about timing and the district's contingency planning; one board member noted budget books should arrive in residents' mailboxes soon. No board motion to change the budget was made during the meeting.

Action notes: the board was reminded of the May 13 budget meeting and that staff will present a title-plan and public-comment schedule in early June. The business manager described reserves the district hopes to set aside "if it passes, with the voters." No formal vote on budget allocations occurred at the meeting.

Context and limits: administrators repeatedly cautioned the figures are projections and subject to change; Tom said some guidance suggests planning for funding similar to the current year, but that other indications point to cuts in Title V. The board did not adopt any spending changes at the session.

Ending: district leaders said they will update the board and public when federal allocations are finalized and will proceed with required public notice and plan hearings in June.