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RSU 28/MSAD 28 plans staff reductions, course shifts as enrollment falls from 739 to projected 704
Summary
Administrators said the requested budget eliminates three teaching positions (about $300,000), ends two one‑year roles, moves an edtech role to local entitlement, and cautioned electives may be reduced as enrollment falls from 739 to a projected 704.
RSU 28/MSAD 28 administrators told the board the requested FY27 budget will reduce staff and shift course offerings in response to declining enrollment. Maria said October high‑school enrollment this year was 739 and the projection for next year is 704, a fall that will require continued "right sizing" of staffing.
The requested budget eliminates three teaching positions, which Maria estimated will save about $300,000. Two one‑year positions created last year — a computer science position and a science position — are ending; Maria and Jen told the board those changes do not necessarily eliminate the programs but that course offerings will be dictated by student course requests and may alternate years.
Administrators also said one edtech position is being moved to local entitlement, and the budget adds about 1.5 central office support positions split between the districts (accounts receivable and administrative support). Health insurance increases were budgeted at 10% (about $213,000 budgeted) and factored into line‑item adjustments.
Special education: Maria said the special‑education line shows a slight decrease overall due to staffing reallocations and health‑insurance choices; she added the district will propose a warrant article allowing up to $75,000 to be expended from the special‑education reserve for unexpected private placements.
Program impacts and electives: Jen said required graduation courses (English 11, core sciences) will not be affected by the eliminations, but electives such as forensics or multiple sections of specialized courses may be reduced. Administrators emphasized scheduling flexibility (for example, alternating years for some electives) as a tool to retain course variety while reducing staff.
What happens next: Board members pressed for clarity on whether eliminating the computer science position removes the program; Jen said course requests and scheduling will determine whether a dedicated computer science teacher is required. Administrators advised that continued enrollment declines will necessitate further staffing adjustments across the system.
