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Councilors debate school funding formula, shared services and relations with school board
Summary
Councilors held a lengthy discussion about MSAD 51’s funding formula, rising capital needs in Cumberland and whether to renegotiate long-standing school funding arrangements; some urged relationship-building and a liaison to the school board while others said past outreach had not produced results.
Councilors spent the bulk of their May 26 meeting debating the town’s share of school costs and whether the 60-year MSAD 51 agreement should be treated as a negotiable business contract.
“This process will not be easy,” Councilor Michalak said, arguing the town needs to review the legacy contract to ensure living in Cumberland remains affordable. He listed local capital needs including Greeley Road, water mains and new fire trucks, and said “we’re probably over $15,000,000 in needs” that pressure the town’s budget.
Other councilors emphasized relationship-building with neighboring towns and the school board as a way to make progress. One councilor described calling area chiefs and said increased coordination often diffused problems quickly: “When you build relationships with people, you know who to call, and you know how to take action,” the councilor said.
Several members pushed back on the tone of the recent exchanges with the school board, saying the town had already made overtures and that some outreach produced little change. “We can’t force someone to do something,” another councilor said, adding that the town must respect process even while seeking better outcomes.
Councilors discussed possible next steps, including appointing or sharing a liaison to the school board, continuing talks on shared services with neighboring towns and preparing public outreach explaining the town’s position and timeline. Town staff said they would help compile materials and outreach through the town crier.
The council did not vote on a formal change to the MSAD 51 agreement at the meeting; several members said the work will be long term and will require both further study and engagement with residents and the school board.
