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Public commenters urge RSU 23 to prioritize staff as budget process continues; superintendent reports Pre‑K grant inclusion
Summary
At the March 10 RSU 23 meeting, public commenters urged the board to use any excess revenues to reinstate staff positions. Superintendent Lloyd Crocker reported the district appears included in a $14.8 million Pre‑K grant, upcoming budget workshops and ongoing facilities planning with Oak Point and Harriman Associates.
Residents and teachers urged the RSU 23 board March 10 to prioritize restoring staff positions as the district begins its 2015–16 budget process.
John Nye, identified in the minutes as Teacher Association president, asked the superintendent and the board to use any excess revenues toward reinstating positions proposed for elimination to help "maintain the quality of education" in district schools. Nye also said he requested an impact sheet at the budget workshop showing tax effects on a $200,000 property, and the minutes summarize his example that a 3 to 4 percent tax increase corresponds to roughly a $24 to $42 difference on that property.
At least three teachers addressed the board on curriculum and staffing. Stephanie Babin, who teaches computer-technology classes at Old Orchard Beach High School, outlined why her classes add value and objected to the rationale for eliminating her position. Lindsay Butler, a foreign-language teacher at Old Orchard Beach High School, and Marilyn Sell, a foreign-language teacher at LMS, spoke about the importance of world-language instruction for middle- and high-school students.
Superintendent Lloyd Crocker opened the meeting with a report on the budget process and other items: he said the first community budget workshop had been held the prior night, that budget materials had been posted and emailed to parents, and that a second community workshop is scheduled for March 18 at the OOB High School café at 6:00 p.m. Crocker said the district appears to be included in a $14.8 million Pre‑K grant and that the board may be asked in April or May to approve grant funds. He also said the district had met with Oak Point and Harriman Associates about proposals for building a new school and that further information would come during the facilities committee process. Crocker reported that the district's Restorative School Practice grant, initially listed at $83,000, was noted as $41,000 in the minutes during a second year of funding and was later recorded back at $83,000.
What happens next: The district scheduled a second budget workshop for March 18; the minutes indicate the board will continue budget review and receive further information on the Pre‑K grant and facilities proposals at future meetings.
