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Public warns of special-education impacts after nearly $472,000 in budget cuts; superintendent says maintenance-of-effort status uncertain
Summary
Multiple public commenters urged the MSAD 58 board to restore budget cuts they said would harm regular and special-education services, citing an $80,000 special-education line item reduction; the superintendent said the district has not yet determined whether the cut will meet state maintenance-of-effort rules and will consult the state.
Residents and staff used the public-comment period to press the MSAD 58 board over recent budget reductions, warning that cuts — including an $80,000 reduction from the special-education cost center — could force service reductions or staff changes.
A speaker who identified herself as Anna Stevens asked for clarity on what had been cut and whether the district could continue to meet its legal obligations for special education. "Can you even meet the state obligations for special education with that cut?" she asked. The crowd included parents, current and former educators, and other community members who described potential classroom and support impacts if staffing or contracted services are reduced.
At the board's request, the superintendent said the district had not yet confirmed whether the $80,000 reduction would violate state maintenance-of-effort rules. "I don't know yet," she said, adding that administration would meet with the state and present options to the board if the reduction would jeopardize required services. The superintendent said the district typically documents end-of-year special-education spending for the state and that reductions have occurred in previous years when justified by changes in student needs.
Board members and staff described contingency steps: the superintendent and special-education lead will review the budget, consult state guidance and return with options. The board also noted contingency and reserve accounts exist to cover some unexpected high-cost placements. "We would have to come back to the board and ask," the superintendent said when asked whether the district would reassign funds to avoid cutting services.
Public commenters framed the fiscal debate in broader terms: some characterized the budget changes as driven by a vocal minority tied to the withdrawal movement and asserted the cuts were "penny wise and pound foolish," while others urged the board to seek compromise solutions. The board did not adopt new budget cuts at the meeting; it will await the June 9 public vote and continue preparing contingency options depending on the result.
The superintendent said a letter summarizing reductions and potential implications would be sent to staff and the community.
Next steps: administration will consult the state and return options to the board; the June 9 budget vote will determine whether contingency reductions will need to be implemented.
