Superintendent outlines state funding changes, hold‑harmless window and what it could mean for RSU 40

The superintendent told the board the Legislature passed LD 22 26, an act amending the Essential Programs and Services (EPS) school funding formula, and said the changes will take effect beginning in fiscal year 2028.

He said preliminary simulations based on recent data would move the district’s regional cost index to about 1.04, a change that could improve the district’s alignment with current labor and cost conditions. "The effects do take place beginning with fiscal year 28," he said, and added that a three‑year hold‑harmless provision means no district will receive less subsidy than this year for the next three years; any subsequent reductions would be phased in over three years rather than be applied in a single year.

The superintendent also described how the revised formula will count economically disadvantaged students through three methods: direct certification (TANF, SNAP, MaineCare), eligibility for free or reduced‑price lunch, or an alternative economic‑status form the state plans to make available. He told the board that the district will need to encourage families to complete the alternative form, noting stigma and the availability of universal free lunch can reduce form completion rates.

Board members asked follow‑up questions about special‑education calculations, the timeline for data collection, and whether RSU 40’s prior special statutory arrangements might be affected; the superintendent said he would research outstanding questions and keep the board informed.