RSU 4 board directs budget that adds middle‑school field hockey, leaves out high‑school interventionist and seeks stipend cut
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Summary
At a March 25 RSU 4 Board meeting, members instructed the superintendent to include middle‑school field hockey (estimated ~$20,000) in the FY27 proposed budget, exclude a $62,000 high‑school interventionist position, and pursue a policy change to reduce board meeting stipends from $25 to $10 ahead of an April 8 warrant and public budget vote.
The RSU 4 Board of Directors spent much of its March 25 meeting weighing items that will shape the FY27 proposed budget, ultimately charging Superintendent Marco to include a middle‑school field hockey line, leave out a proposed high‑school interventionist position and pursue reduction of the board meeting stipend.
The superintendent opened the discussion by noting progress on the budget and the timeline: "We're almost done with this part of the budget, hooray, which is very exciting," and reminded the board of a public budget meeting scheduled for April 29 and a planned vote and warrant signature on April 8.
Board members focused on two contested additions. Administrators presented a blanket estimate for starting a middle‑school field hockey program—about $20,000—covering new goals, uniforms and field work. Brian, who reviewed the athletics numbers for the board, told members the figure "definitely could flex slightly" depending on contributions from the recreation department and whether some equipment could be shared or deferred.
Supporters argued the activity would boost student engagement; skeptics warned about precedent and potential future requests for other sports. Robbie said he was "kinda skeptical about what we're about to do," warning that adding one sport could open the door to additional, costlier requests for football or lacrosse.
On the interventionist role, administrators described alternatives if the district removes the dedicated high‑school position. Principal Springer (John) said the district would try to use existing staff time and Professional Learning Group (PLG) periods to deliver interventions: "We're looking at utilizing some of our PLG time to work directly with our students next year," he said, adding it would require shifting teacher time and schedules.
Supporters of the interventionist cited positive outcomes and immediate support delivered by a dedicated position; opponents emphasized sustainability and the difficulty of restoring a salaried position once cut. After several rounds of discussion and thumbs‑up/thumbs‑down polling, the chair recorded that the board drew more downward thumbs and "we're not gonna put it in," sending the superintendent off with a directive to present a package without the interventionist but with field hockey included and with a proposed stipend reduction.
The board and finance staff also discussed uncertainty about insurance rates; the business manager told members the district had not yet received the Anthem rate band that could affect final totals. The superintendent and finance staff pledged to update the board if the insurance rate requires changes before the warrant is signed.
Board members also discussed reducing the board meeting stipend from $25 to $10 (the state minimum). Policy committee members noted that changing the stipend amount requires a policy change and a formal vote; the board agreed to budget a $2,500 reduction assuming the policy is changed prior to finalizing warrants.
Next steps: the superintendent will prepare the proposed budget reflecting the board's charge for a vote and signature of warrants on April 8, followed by the public budget meeting April 29.
