HOULTON, Maine – The Houlton man who led the charge to increase the local contribution to the Houlton School District budget last month was appointed to the school board by the town council on Monday night.
Mark Lipscombe, who moved with his family to Houlton from Tennessee about four years ago, shared with the council that there were several reasons he was seeking a seat on the school board.
“Two issues interest me greatly, the first is chronic absenteeism,” Lipscombe said on Monday night. “I would like to be part of coming up with solutions that address that in our community.”
Lipscombe, originally from Australia, explained that having children in the district he sees firsthand the number of kids that are basically enrolled but are wandering around doing something other than receiving an education.
In May, when he pushed for an increase in the town contribution to the school budget, Lipscombe shared with the town council, he was conflicted.
“I felt that not doing so would affect students in the next school year, but there’s a broader issue there,” he said. “There are opportunities for efficiencies to direct money in better ways rather than just throwing more money at a problem.”
With Lipscombe’s urging, in a 182 to 65 vote, the 2024-2025 proposed $16.4 million school district budget was increased to $16.9 million, adding money into regular instruction, athletics and student programming.
“Our spending per student is some of the lowest in the state,” said Lipscombe, during the school board budget vote in May. “The administrators, school board, teaching staff and support staff have done a spectacular job of running the school district on a threadbare budget. These cuts are a step too far.”
During Monday night’s meeting, Lipscombe said that by the time the school budget reaches the community it’s a week from the vote.
There’s very little information contained in the RSU 29 school budget as compared to other surrounding districts and I feel the community does not have enough information in setting priorities, he said.
Town councilor Eileen McLaughlin praised Lipscombe’s belief in quality public education and she said she appreciates that he offers a unique perspective on education as well his belief that all students in the district should receive the best educational opportunity possible.
Following a trip through Northern Maine several years ago, Lipscombe and his wife Nina considered living in the area with their children. After moving to Houlton, the couple started County Micro, an IT consultancy business, out of their home on Houlton’s Main Street.
Houlton resident Richard Tarr also applied for appointment to the Houlton School Board. The council voted 3 to 2 against Tarr’s appointment.
The vote in favor of Lipscombe was unanimous.
To retain his seat on the school board, Lipscombe will have to run for office and get voter approval in the next municipal election.
