Scotland Board approves Sept. minutes, approves October financials; November financial motion amended

The Scotland Board of Education on Nov. 4 approved its Sept. 2 meeting minutes and the October financial report, and amended a separate motion to approve the November financial report after questions about budget line items.

The board voted to approve the Sept. 2 minutes on a motion by Lisa LaBelle, seconded by Gracie Martin; Brittany Santiago recorded an abstention. Superintendent Valerie Bruneau and Finance Coordinator Michele Demicco remained in the meeting for financial discussion.

Finance Coordinator Michele Demicco reported that 27% of the fiscal-year budget has been spent to date. Board member Clark Stearns raised specific overbudget concerns in accounts including 51120 (instructional aides — summer school), 52100 (benefits — medical and other, due to two unexpected enrollments), and 55610 (special education placement tuition), and described the overall budget as very tight. Lisa LaBelle asked for clarification about food-service payments, which are paid up front.

A motion to approve the November financial report, made by Brittany Santiago and seconded by Gracie Martin, was not voted on and was amended to a new motion for later consideration. Separately, Motion #3-25/26 to approve the October financial report, also moved by Santiago and seconded by Gracie Martin, carried unanimously.

The meeting closed with a motion to adjourn made by Gracie Martin, seconded by Brittany Santiago, which carried unanimously at 7:43 p.m.

Actions recorded in the minutes include #1-25/26 (approval of Sept. 2 minutes, carried with one abstention), #2-25/26 (motion to approve November financial report; amended and not voted), #3-25/26 (approval of October financial report, carried unanimously), and #4-25/26 (adjournment, carried unanimously).