HODGDON, Maine — Like many other school districts in Aroostook County, SAD 70 will see a reduction in its state subsidy next year for education.
However, unlike many other school districts in the area, there will be little impact to local taxpayers in the communities of Amity, Haynesville, Hodgdon, Linneus, Ludlow and New Limerick that make up the school district.
According to Superintendent Scott Richardson, SAD 70 will receive $3,098,304, which is a decrease of $150,354 from previous years. In order to receive those funds, the district must raise $1,852,654 in required local dollars, plus an extra $658,900 in additional local funds to balance the budget.
SAD 70’s total budget for 2018-19 will be $6,480,159, down $144,544 from last year.
“Over the last 11 years, the total budget has averaged a 0.19 percent increase and the actual increase to the towns has averaged 0.52 percent,” Richardson said. “The school board consistently strives to provide quality programs within a strict conservative budget that takes into account the needs of the local taxpayers.”
To offset the reduced state aid, the district made a number of cuts to its spending plan. Those cuts include the elimination of a vacant World Languages teacher position; elimination of one bus run/bus driver; and various other small reductions to line items.
Even though there were cuts, Richardson noted that the district will still be able to fund a number of infrastructure improvements. During April vacation, the roof for the grades 5-6 wing at Mill Pond Elementary School was replaced. Next year, the final roof replacement at Hodgdon Middle-High School will be completed and there are plans to rebuild the school’s parking lot to improve drainage issues, Richardson said.
Additions to the budget include the creation of an Ed Tech III computer technology position; a part-time clinical social worker and a the purchase of a new bus. Wage increases for existing staff also were included.
Due to changes in the state valuation, New Limerick residents will see a $67,275 decrease in their local share of the school budget, while the other communities will see a small increase in their portion.
Residents will vote on the school spending plan during the district budget meeting on Wednesday, May 23, at 7 p.m. in the Hodgdon Middle-High School gymnasium.
