RSU 18 board approves adult‑education budget, delays final FY27 school budget vote and approves Sydney polling plan; reviews tech and maintenance leases

The RSU 18 school board on March 1 approved the district's FY27 adult‑education budget, discussed the larger FY27 school budget but postponed final action until health‑insurance rates are available, and approved a request by the Town of Sydney to use James H. Bean School as a polling site for the June 9 election.

During new business the superintendent explained RSU 18's obligation to Mid‑Maine Regional Adult Education—about $70,000 in expenses offset in part by nearly $20,000 in state subsidy—and presented the FY27 adult‑education budget. "We get about almost 20,000 in state subsidy and the rest kinda gets spread out through the towns," the superintendent said. After board questions about line‑item fluctuations and historical coding of the director salary, a board member moved to approve the adult‑education budget as presented; the motion was seconded and the chair announced the vote was unanimous.

On the district's broader FY27 school budget, the superintendent recommended delaying a vote until health‑insurance figures arrive (expected the first week of April). He said the proposed budget included an $800,000 draw from the general unassigned fund balance to limit a tax increase, but cautioned that using the full amount repeatedly would exhaust the fund over several years. "If we didn't roll that (fund balance) forward... the taxes would go up even more," he said, and stressed the need for a multiyear conversation about using reserves.

The board also considered a request from the Town of Sydney to use James H. Bean School for voting on June 9. The superintendent outlined a plan to move Dean School students to Camp Tracy for the day, provide lunches and activities, and staff custodial checks during the election. After discussion about parking, ADA access and whether Sydney would pay district costs, a member moved to approve the plan; the motion was seconded and the chair announced the motion carried.

Separately, the board reviewed routine replacement leases. The superintendent presented a $500,000 technology lease to keep the district's device replacement cycle on schedule and noted the district uses annual lease purchasing to stabilize budgets. Board members asked for a historical investment graph before the final vote on that lease. The board also reviewed a maintenance/transportation lease covering a dump‑body trailer, a van and other equipment; members moved and seconded the maintenance lease resolution and proceeded to vote.

Next steps: the adult‑education budget will be implemented as approved; the board will reconvene to take final action on the FY27 school budget once health‑insurance rates are available; and the district will follow up on cost estimates and logistics for hosting the June 9 polling site.