By Lisa Wilcox
Staff Writer
CARIBOU — The proposed school budget for the upcoming 2013-14 school year drew lots of questions from the public at the Eastern Aroostook RSU 39 School Board meeting held on May 1.
Caribou resident and Mayor Gary Aiken began the public comment portion of the meeting by expressing his disappointment that the budget outline did not provide more detail as to what the figures for the line items included. Aiken proceeded to ask about specific items that he noticed increased significantly while reviewing the budget.
Aiken then questioned whether the formation of the RSU is actually cost effective. He asked the board when the last time was they had reviewed the difference in the cost of the schools operating individually and as an RSU.
“I’m asking the question as a citizen of Caribou, because in my own mind I somehow have the feeling that the citizens of Caribou are subsidizing the other two schools,” Aiken stated.
Superintendent Frank McElwain replied that it’s difficult to answer that question because of the economic downturn. He explained that as the figures stand today, the RSU is $1 million below what they were as separate entities. McElwain clarified that it’s impossible to determine if that is because of the RSU formation or due to the necessary squeeze because of the economy.
Aiken explained that he simply wondered about the efficiency because he does not see any other areas in the state rushing out to form an RSU.
Board member Dale Gordon gave her thoughts on the issue, saying that forming the RSU was an incredible amount of work, and she believes that other areas are resisting doing it because of the time commitment.
Aiken countered that if it really was all that cost effective, he believed others would do the work.
Citizens Milo Haney, Mark Reschke, Paul Camping and Wilfred Martin followed Aiken with their questions about the budget. Camping asked the board to sell him on the budget, mentioning the fact that the state had just issued report cards for each school, and the RSU results showed over 50 percent of the students were either partially proficient or substantially below proficiency. All Caribou schools scored a “C” ranking while Limestone Community School earned an “F.”
“It just strikes me as odd that the money we spend on education goes up, up, up, and our test scores are lackluster at best.” Camping said. “And I’m looking for a reason to vote for the budget, I truly am, because I know how important education is to our kids. I’m just looking for justification to do that. So, please, this is your opportunity. Sell me on it if you can.”
Board member Lynn McNeal, a Caribou educator for 39 years, defended the schools, stating that the tests changed continually over the years and it wasn’t fair for the results to be issued based on one day, one test. Gordon explained that the test was the SAT, which used to be a measure of the readiness of college-bound students, but is now mandated for all students to take, including those enrolled in special education. Board member Michelle Albair added that a lot of students do not understand the importance of the test and do not do their best work.
Camping proceeded to ask what would happen if the budget is not passed. Board members Clifford Rhome and Kent Forbes explained to Camping that in that situation, their options are limited, and it would probably result in a loss of teaching positions.
The 2013-14 proposed budget remains the same as 2012-13 at $18,718,271. State subsidy figures are down by $155,297, or 1.3 percent, and local required contributions are up by $192,863, or 5 percent. Caribou citizens will see the biggest increase in contributions with $177,874. According to Aiken, that will be a one-half mil tax increase.
The RSU 39 School Board will conduct a public meeting for discussion of the budget at Caribou Middle School on Wednesday, May 29 at 7 p.m. A copy of the proposed budget is available for review prior to the meeting at RSU 39’s website, www.rsu39.org. After the meeting, the budget will be included on the ballot for approval or disapproval during regular referendum voting on June 11.
More details of the RSU 39 May 1 meeting will be included in next week’s Aroostook Republican.
The next regularly scheduled school board meeting will be May 15 at 7 p.m. at the Superintendent’s Office.
