2008-2009 Budget Information
May, 2008 Budget Update
Two votes are now necessary to pass the 08-09 school budget. The State of Maine enacted a new law that requires the citizens of Gray and New Gloucester to attend a Budget Meeting in order to approve the school budget that will be sent to the citizens for a “yes” or “no” vote at the voting booth on June 10th.
At the Budget Meeting citizens will have the opportunity to approve a school budget by voting on six (6) cost centers as well as any additional budget items, such as Adult Education. At the end of the Budget Meeting the finalized budget will be sent to the voters on June 10th for a simple “yes” or “no” vote on the total budget. If you are unable to attend the Budget Meeting, it will be important for you to read posted materials regarding the school budget at the polling place.
The Budget Meeting is scheduled on June 5th at the Middle School Gym. Registration and voter check-in will begin at 6:30 p.m. with the Budget Meeting to follow at 7:00 p.m. The School Board understands that this new procedure may be confusing; therefore, the Superintendent’s Office will be ready to answer any questions about this new process. Please set aside June 5th and June 10th to voice your opinion on the 08-09 School Budget.
Budget Introduction from the Superintendent
February 6, 2008
Dear MSAD 15 School Board,
The 2008-2009 School Budget is the result of a process that began in November 2007 when the Finance Committee took a long, hard look at the needs of the school district and the on-going concerns of the public in this time of increased energy and living costs. Not only is the Finance Committee concerned about rising fixed costs, but the members are also aware that the 2008-2009 school budget contains a 3.74% increase due to the first payment on the $10 million Upgrade and Renovation Bond approved by the voters in 2005. Even though the Finance Committee hopes that undesignated balances from the 06-07 and 07-08 budgets can be used to reduce the assessment increase due to the first bond payment, they are concerned that the public may forget that past budget increases were kept as low as possible in preparation for this "one time budget increase bump" due to the bond. The Finance Committee asked administration to keep the budget increases that are separate from the bond repayment increase as low as possible...