RSU 04 board approves administrator contract, LRTC cost‑sharing plan, student trip and second‑reading policy updates

The RSU 04 Board of Directors on the evening of the district’s regular meeting approved a new collective bargaining agreement with the RSU 04 Administrators Association, adopted a revised cost‑sharing formula for the Lewiston Regional Technical Center (LRTC), approved an overnight FBLA student trip and completed second readings of three personnel and student‑safety policies.

The votes come as district leaders prepare the next fiscal budget. Board members were presented with a two‑year rolling average allocation method for LRTC seats that sets each district’s share based on allotted seats rather than current enrollment, and staff said the change will be reflected in the upcoming budget. "We have to pay for our seats whether we use them or not," Board member Katie said during the discussion on the cooperative agreement, summarizing how seat allotments, not actual attendance, will determine local costs.

Why it matters: the LRTC formula shifts more predictable local responsibility for the gap between the center’s draft budget and the state ED 279 subsidy to participating districts; even modest local shares can change district spending priorities. The…