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Select board signs RSU 57 budget‑validation warrants as town faces 6.23% share increase
Summary
The board signed two warrants for the district budget and a bond authorization; Michelle explained the district funding formula and estimated Shapley's share would increase by about $239,385 (roughly 6.23%) if the RSU budget is approved.
The Select Board signed two warrants relating to the RSU 57 budget validation process and municipal participation in a school revolving renovation fund bond authorization.
Michelle (S5) explained that two separate warrants must appear on the May validation ballot: one to accept the RSU budget and another to authorize the RSU to issue bonds not to exceed approximately $1,160,531 (of which a portion—$475,000 in forgiven amounts—was described in the school's SRRF application). Michelle said the district‑wide budget increase was only about 0.69% but, due to the state's funding formula, Shapley’s required amount to be raised by taxation would rise by roughly $239,385 (about 6.23%). She encouraged residents to attend the May 5 meeting at Massabesic Middle School where district voters will debate and finalize local positions ahead of the June vote.
Board members signed the warrants and recorded the action in the minutes with a 2-0 vote. Michelle and the board discussed outreach to local representatives about the funding formula, which the town argues fails to include resident median income as a factor.
