MSAD #15 Consolidation Update and 08-09 School Budget Overview
January 23, 2008

Dear Parents and Community,

MSAD #15 Board of Directors and District Administration held a community forum on LD1932: School Consolidation Efforts and the 08-09 School Budget on January 23, 2008. Senator Lois Snow-Mellow, Representative Susan Austin, and Representative Michael Vaughn were also present to provide legislative updates. We have posted the Q & A's from this forum and invite all community members to check back to this site frequently for updates in this process.

Consolidation
Questions / Answers

  1. What is the status of LD1932 (Consolidation Law)?
  1. The amendments to LD 1932 have not been signed as of 1-22-08.
  1. If MSAD #15 files and alternative plan and does not consolidate with Union #29, are there ways for us to meet the intent of the law? More detail is found on the posted School Board Workshop Power point for January 23, 2007.
  1. MSAD #15 feels that it currently meets the goals of the State consolidation law:
    1. MSAD #15 provides equitable educational opportunity for all students to meet the Learning Results.
    2. MSAD #15 provides rigorous academic programs.
    3. MSAD #15 provides uniformity in the delivery of the academic programs.
    4. MSAD #15 keeps taxes low through efficient use of limited resources.
    5. MSAD #15 has a cost-efficient system administration. In 05-06, system administrative costs were below the state average. In 07-08, system administrative costs are $292.00 per pupil. For the 08-09 budget, MSAD #15 cut administrative costs to $280 per pupil.
  1. What is the total penalty for not merging?
  • MSAD #15 will lose approximately $200,000 in system administration subsidy.
  • Less favorable funding for school construction.
  • Freezes state subsidy at 53%. MSAD #15 currently receives 52.65% state subsidy.
  1. Is the penalty annual?
  1. Yes
  1. Is there a place to go to get information or updates on the progress of LD1932 and updates on consolidation?
  1. The following links provide information on consolidation:

 

08-09 Budget Questions Regarding District Improvement Committee
New Position Recommendations

  1. Is the Freshman Girls Basketball stipend a must in the 08-09 budget due to the fact that there is a Freshman Boys Team, or could we cut Freshman Boys’ Basketball stipend to equalize the opportunities?
  1. Why is Freshman Soccer not a budget priority for the District Improvement Committee? (The Boosters have funded a number of these coaching positions.)
  1. Why is there a need for 2 more second grade teachers?
  1. Is there a State class size recommendation?
  1. Have we done any benchmarking with other districts about square foot per custodian?