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Superintendent Ray: rooftop solar now generating; LD 22/26 could increase Biddeford funding
Summary
Superintendent Ray told the March 25 meeting that rooftop solar at Biddeford High School is installed and generating electricity, and said state bill LD 22/26, if enacted, could bring an estimated $1.5 million–$2 million annually to the district; health-insurance costs remain a key budget uncertainty.
Superintendent Ray updated the Biddeford School Committee on March 25 on several district items, including recent grants, rooftop solar and a pending state funding bill.
“The rooftop solar at Biddeford High School is fully installed and generating electricity,” Ray said, describing the project as a step to reduce energy costs and the district’s reliance on traditional energy sources.
Ray also briefed the committee on LD 22/26, a state-level funding formula bill that has moved out of committee and is expected to reach the House floor. He said initial, district-level estimates suggest the bill could bring on the order of $1.5 million to $2 million annually to Biddeford if enacted, while noting special education adjustments in the formula still need work.
Ray said the district is watching health-insurance cost estimates closely because increases there will be a major driver of the city/school budget conversation. “That’s the big piece,” he said, adding that city–school partnership will be critical to present a budget that balances citizen impacts with student needs.
Ray also congratulated several teacher nominees for York County Teacher of the Year and reported Biddeford High School received a $3,500 grant from Special Olympics of Maine to support unified athletics.
What’s next: the superintendent said the board will continue discussing the budget and that the presence of a hold-harmless provision for districts losing revenue under the pending formula may smooth the transition; special-education adjustments remain outstanding and will require further work at the state level.
