At the April 6 meeting of the Maine School Administrative District 49 board of directors, all directors in attendance voted to support a $29,625,431,28 budget for school year 2023-2024. The board and administration presented the articles in the budget at a public meeting on May 16. Voters from all of the towns who attended the budget meeting approved the articles. The budget for 2023-2024 reflects a 4.80% increase, which is in line with increases in school budgets in our immediate area and around the state.

The MSAD 49 board and administration worked diligently to protect programs for district students while also cutting desired positions that we have not been able to fill. These limited cuts will enable MSAD 49 to provide educational and co-curricular programs and services for students without diminishing them.

Several factors required the budget increase: First, operating costs are higher due to increased costs for electricity and fuel. Additionally, special education costs are increased in this budget to address the needs of students with disabilities in the district. Raises and benefits for employees are provided for in this budget.

Finally, MSAD 49 received a reduction in the percent of the funding formula that is supported by state subsidy. The reduction was based on adjustments made to the funding formula, a small reduction in student population in the district, and a more dramatic reduction in the number of identified students who experience economic disadvantage.

The MSAD 49 board of directors encourages all voters to vote on the school budget referendum in their town on June 13. The board also looks forward to accurately capturing the economic characteristics of our communities in 2023-2024 so that we receive the amount of state subsidy that is designed to support our communities equitably.

 

Karen Kusiak 

Fairfield

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