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Select Board reviews school cost comparisons ahead of November RFU vote
Summary
Select Board members reviewed cost comparisons between Trenton, Hancock and Lamoine schools, noted special education as the largest expense driver, and discussed that the school board must be involved if the regional funding unit (RFU) does not pass in November.
At the May 26 meeting, Select Board members reviewed cost information circulated by Susan Sargent comparing Trenton’s school costs with those of Hancock and Lamoine.
Judith Sproule said the bottom line from the materials is that Hancock’s budget is larger than Trenton’s and Lamoine’s is smaller, but that special education is the single biggest cost piece. "Our biggest cost piece is special education," Sproule said.
Sargent told the board that if the RFU does not go through on the November vote, the school board will need to be involved in next steps. Danielle Cole urged continued community conversation about ‘‘all options available to the Trenton school, for the kids, but also for elderly’’ residents. Cecilia Zavestoski said the number-one concern is determining what is best for students rather than simply seeking lower cost.
Board members did not take a formal vote at the meeting on school consolidation; the discussion was recorded as part of ongoing public deliberations ahead of the scheduled November vote.
