Residents in several municipalities will have the opportunity to vote on the proposed $26.45 million Regional School Unit 2 budget during a meeting Wednesday night.
Voters in Hallowell, Farmingdale, Dresden, Monmouth and Richmond can vote on the upcoming school year’s budget during the meeting, which begins at 6 p.m. at Hall-Dale High School in Farmingdale. The budget then goes to a budget validation referendum June 14 in those municipalities.
The 17-article warrant includes a recommendation by the school board of about $10.7 million for regular instruction and about $4.6 million for special education.
“Our special education costs have been multiplying unbelievably the last few years,” said board chairman Bill Matthews, of Dresden. “We have to educate every kid that walks in the door.”
Matthews said the proposed amount is a little more than $500,000, or about 2 percent, more than last year because the “state has cut our subsidy yet again.” Matthews said the RSU has only proposed an additional $86,000, with the remaining increase being the result of state cuts.
“Since the RSU was formed in 2009, the state has reduced their contribution by $3.5 million, or 25 percent,” Matthews said. “The taxpayers have been asked to pay 40 percent more over the last seven years. It’s appalling.”
Superintendent Bill Zima, who took over last year after Virgel Hammonds left the district, has been a big part of the process, Matthews said.
“He’s been amazing,” Matthews said. “He is a very smart guy, and we are very enthusiastic about his leadership.”
Zima, who narrates a budget presentation on the district’s website, said the district’s increases are leveling off.
“I am pleased that we were able to keep our overall increase to 0.33 percent of last year’s budget proposal,” Zima said by email. “The board is committed to finding more effective ways to improve the education of the students while also finding efficiencies within the system.”
Article 12 lists the amount each municipality must raise to qualify for the state subsidy:
• Hallowell: $2 million
• Dresden: $1.2 million
• Farmingdale: $1.6 million
• Monmouth: $3.2 million
• Richmond: $2.2 million
Every year, Matthews said, the district is cutting back costs for maintenance and athletic programs. He said it has reduced instructional and administrative positions and are working on converting each facility from oil to propane or natural gas to make them more efficient.
He understands that the state is stretched thin and that “they can’t print money,” but it’s upsetting that the state consistently takes money from education.
However, the budgets have always passed, despite what Matthews described as an aging population often living on a fixed income.
“We are very proud of our citizens who vote to do the right thing for the kids, and we are very grateful for that,” he said. “We understand the dilemma for people on fixed incomes, and are very sensitive to that.”
Jason Pafundi — 621-5663
Twitter: @jasonpafundiKJ
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