DYER BROOK, Maine — A small gathering of about 30 residents spent little time Thursday evening at Southern Aroostook Community School discussing the proposed $9.6 million budget for RSU 50 before approving the spending plan.
The budget, which is up $140,766 (1.49 percent) from last year, received nearly unanimous approval at the meeting, which lasted about 45 minutes. Interim Superintendent Mike Hammer said he was surprised there was so little discussion, but pleased that the budget passed.
“It was very surprising considering the past history,” he said. “I think talking with the town’s board of selectmen early on, and working with the town managers during this budget process helped. They know how hard we worked to get some serious tax relief. This budget is tight.”
The district will receive $4,890,664 from the state, which is an increase of $17,632. However, in order to receive those state funds, the district must contribute the required local share in the amount of $2,551,448, which is an increase of $52,165.
Because the district is spending more than the state says it should be to provide Essential Programs and Services (EPS), the district must also raise additional local dollars to balance the budget. That amount for next year will be $1,291,322, which is up $70,969 from 2015-16.
Some of the driving factors for the increased budget are rises in teachers’ salaries and benefits; a jump in contracted special education services; a need to take over the expense of the summer school program after grant funds ended; and $50,000 for a curriculum/reading program at the elementary school.
All of the warrant articles passed with little discussion, except for the article regarding the additional local expenses. Resident Russell Beauchemin addressed the board saying he was voting against the article, not because of the dollar amount sought, but for the method of how the figure was derived.
“I am voting no on this section of the budget and will vote no on the budget as a whole,” he said. “I cannot support the budget as I am a realist. I see things as they are, not as they once were. And a pragmatist, I see things as they are likely to be, not how I wish them to be.”
He referenced the Future Task Force’s final report issued about a year ago, that was commissioned by the district and came to the conclusion that “two parallel systems are inherently inefficient.”
Beauchemin said the board had an opportunity, when it was considering the closure of Katahdin Middle-High School, to move the district forward, which could have led to new programs being offered and potentially higher salaries for staff.
“Some on the board, in my view, voted with their hearts and in consideration of what was popular, not on the facts and what could have evolved into something much better than what we now struggle to maintain,” he said. “I continue to believe it is not a matter of if, but when change will come.”
He added, in his opinion, leaving the RSU was not the answer, referencing the possible withdrawal by the former SAD 25 communities.
“In my view, working together to make it better is [the answer],” he said.
The towns will now vote on the budget during the June 14 referendum.
